Etsy Raqs!

Kitty Pride & Teal Tea Patchwork Skirts

2010-08-15T22:13:00.002-04:00

I have 2 new belly dance skirts up.

Kitty Pride

Pirate Belly Dancer Coin Jewelry @ Erika's Chiquis

2010-08-01T07:21:00.000-04:00

I finally had a chance to put some of my coin jewelry up.
I love coins for jewelry and especially for dancing.
Here's a few samples in my shop.

Penny Coin Earrings

Dime Coin Earrings

Penny Bracelet

More is coming so check me and my fellow Etsy Raqs Sisters

http://www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com/

Belly Dance Head Acccessories at Erika's Chiquis

2010-07-01T10:08:00.001-04:00

I've love making head accessories and plan on making more. Some are in the works and hope to have them up at the end of July.

Tunisian Crochet Head Piece
http://www.etsy.com/listing/29418113/tunisian-crochet-head-piece-for-belly

Feathers n Flowers Head Piece
http://www.etsy.com/listing/29694037/feather-n-flowers-headpiece-tribal

More Dancing Items @
http://www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com/

Uber Patchwork Skirts

2010-06-23T13:44:00.002-04:00

I make custom skirts. After a few commissions

and some people asking , I've decided to sell 20 yd and 30 yd custom skirts. Here is a pictures of my work. The yellow/orange skirt (Autumn Whispered to Caitlin) was a 20 yd commissioned skirt

and the other is my 30 yd skirt.

You can get a custom skirt @
http://www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com/

New Skirts @ Erika's Chiquis

2010-03-15T11:48:00.000-04:00

Two skirts I put up a little while ago but never put them up here.

Strawberries in Cream

A Geisha's Fan

There's more here-

http://www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com/

New Hairpin Crochet Fringe Belts

2010-03-14T10:39:00.000-04:00

I finally made some new ones and they are finally up@ Erika's Chiquis
Take a look@

www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Baby Bellydancer on Board!

2010-03-04T09:14:00.002-05:00

Tribal Tassels has a new dancer! Baby MacKenzie was born on Halloween to her very proud parents, Chris & Patti!

Our life has been filled with many new changes over the past year. I have been away from all aspects of dance for a long time, but hope to soon be dancing again and adding lots of new things to Tribal Tassels. I am looking forward to introducing MacKenzie to the sisterhood of dance!

flowers!

2009-11-12T11:16:00.005-05:00

We tribal girls love flowers.

We also love metal.

Me, I love chainmaille. Sometimes.

Put them together, add in a big dash of my hating scale maille bras, and what do we have?

Scale maille flowers, by the dozen! They're light, they won't rust, they don't tarnish, and they go just about everywhere!

Flowers for your fingers . . .

Flowers for your wrists . . .

Flowers for your ears . . .

And of course, flowers for your hair. There's the full-on kanzashi-style forks . . .

The double-flowered hair sticks . . .

And for the poor people who kept coming up to me and saying, "But my hair's short! What can I do?" there's the ridiculously sturdy (and ridiculously cute) scale maille flower barrettes.

From here? God knows what I'm gonna turn out. :D But if you're curious, keep an eye on acaseofrandom.etsy.com. Hopefully the flowery handflowers will be next.

HeadBands, Headpieces and Stuff

2009-08-22T13:04:00.004-04:00

I've been working on the Tunisian Headbands for the longest time. I just never got to putting stuff on them. I had some left over fabric and I'm making a few headpieces too. Just like my crochet belts -I make them when I feel like it.

Go ahead and check out the new items including used jewelry for sale.

http://www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com/

I'm also working on new skirts and you can see a preview of 6 of them on

http://www.erikaschiquis.blogspot.com/

Oldies but Goodies

2009-07-18T09:02:00.003-04:00

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=27094147

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=27096331

Selling off some of my own stash of belly dance items. More will come down the line as soon as my computer is repaired. Enjoy.

New Skirts@ Erika's Chiquis

2009-05-31T22:51:00.004-04:00

SAFARI SUNSET
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20167678

BLUEBERRY KISS
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14003561

SUMMER GARDEN
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14015817

BLUE ROSE
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25770027

BLUE SKIES
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25769454

www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Older Costume Pieces

2009-05-27T09:46:00.006-04:00

I'm selling off a few of my costume pieces that I no longer use or never used. I just have too much and can't possibly use it all. I'm selling some of my jewelry including some of my DIY jewelry. I'm also selling belly dance belts and patterns. Come see
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Patchwork Custom Made Skirts

2009-05-16T01:33:00.003-04:00

I finally have a couple of buy it buttons to a custom made patchwork skirt. One for 38-42 inches long and one for up to 37 inches long.

38-42
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22909028

up to 37
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=22775003

You choose your colors.
Already made skirts
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5450178&section_id=5268390

Come visit Erika's Chiquis
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

New BD Belts@Erika's Chiquis

2009-04-18T15:40:00.005-04:00

Check them out!!
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5450178&section_id=5461242

www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

shiny thing influx!

2009-04-16T00:26:00.007-04:00

Remember my giant super-swaggy Kuchi fusion chainmaille belt? I one-upped it. I wanted a hip scarf that wouldn't snag or fall apart . . . and so I made one of chainmaille.

Yes, I know it's technically not a scarf. No, I don't care. It's awesome and that's what matters. :D

Okay, I two-upped the swaggy belt. I wanted a fringe belt, too, and I'm not patient enough to sew one. So . . . I made one of chainmaille.

Yes, I know the time relation of sewing vs. mailleing doesn't make sense. No, I don't care. :P

And have I mentioned my new varieties of earrings lately?

You guessed it! Chainmaille.

I'm starting to futz about with different-colored wire and rings as well, so expect some coppery fusion pieces soon. :) Unless anyone has any suggestions . . .

Become a Fan!

2009-04-08T20:40:00.001-04:00

Just a quick posting today on a recent accomplishment I achieved. I have finished up, for the most part, my facebook fan page. If you would like to become a fan, head on over and sign up. I hope to keep you the most up to date on the blog here as well as on facebook. I will be posting specials to the fan page, so make sure you sign up to get the passwords and codes from me. If you are not on facebook, I will be setting up a quarterly e-mail newsletter in the future. Look for that announcement to come. Once again, thanks to everyone over the past year for the support you have given me. I would not be here if it weren't for you! Come on over and check out the new digs!

Spring Flowers

2009-03-24T15:34:00.000-04:00

I finally got to make that pair of hair flower hairpins for the shop. They are a wonderful medium tone purple gerbera daisy. The color of them actually reminds me of the old lilac trees of my childhood home back in Illinois.

These are a steal for $6 plus shipping. I have some more great silk flowers that will be turned into hairpins in the near future so look for them soon.

Business Cards

2009-03-04T14:38:00.004-05:00

I've had the same business card for nearly a year now, it's a beautiful card designed by another Etsy seller. For the past year, I've been printing these on really nice glossy cards on my computer. The really nice glossy cards cost about $20 for a package of 200 cards from Office Max.

In reading the Etsy forums today, I discovered Gotprint. I just ordered 1000 glossy, full color business cards (I just uploaded the PNG file to their website) for $21.95, and that even included shipping. That's about what I spent on a package of cards alone, not to mention the amount of ink a full color card can suck up. I feel like the folks in the V-8 commercials.

Check it out: www.gotprint.com

Anniversary Give-Away!

2009-03-04T14:33:00.002-05:00

March 12 will be Big Ass Bindis' first anniversary on Etsy. So to celebrate, I have a special give-away planned for the month of March. Each item purchased between March 1 and March 12 will earn you 1 entry into the drawing for a fabulous freebie! That's one entry for each item purchased.

The prize? A Big Ass basket full of goodies, including 5 bindis, spirit gum, chocolates, a gig planner, and a few surprises.The drawing will take place and the winner announced on March 13. I will be sure to have new bindis posted to the Etsy shop daily (or as close as I can manage) so check back often and enter to win!

www.BigAssBindis.etsy.com

Jewelry@Erika's Chiquis

2009-02-27T20:04:00.004-05:00

PURPLE HAZE

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8761824

PENNY NECKLACE CHOKER

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14061655

PRETTY IN PINK

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=8761656

CARRIBEAN SEA

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=10282608

ORANGE SHERBET

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=8929332

I recently reduced prices of my jewelry in my etsy store. Two of my Junk Charm Bracelets are sold so better be quick as I won't be making anymore of them.

www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

:P

2009-02-12T12:19:00.006-05:00

Me, I've been making a whole ton of maille bellydance belts.

This one's made with bright aluminum in King's weave and decorated with a whole bunch of little beaded Kuchi earrings and Kuchi coins. It's fairly quiet but I like the colors and how it bounces.

This one's the infamous ultra-heavy-duty Kuchi fusion belt. Pendants, coins, swaggies, metal everywhere . . . I like to take it out and rattle it every so often.

This one's not a belt, but I like it anyway. It's a super-sized and super-clunky layered Byzantine maille necklace. I love that it's shiny and that it's not super-heavy . . . but I still wonder what kind of tan lines it'd leave behind come summer. :P

Now to figure out if I really want to get into the ren faire this year . . . What do you guys think?

(PS: More shines are up at my etsy!)

New BD Belts@Erika's Chiquis

2009-01-26T06:03:00.003-05:00

I posted some more fringe belly dance belts. (pictures by my 6 year old) check it out here@
Erika's Chiquis Belly Dance Belts

New Skirts@Erika's Chiquis

2009-01-25T06:34:00.007-05:00

Tropical Jungle

Safari Sunset

I finally put up some skirts that have been sitting around waiting to be posted. I might have to retake the pictures-but not bad for a 6 year old.
Take a look at my other skirts available. I also take weekly payments for skirts and custom order.
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

2009-01-21T00:07:00.002-05:00

i have been making jewelry a bit lately...here is the first set of earrings i have put up on my etsy. i made some in red also, but gave them to a friend for her birthday and she loved them! i have more in progress, a little different though.

New Hair Falls from Tribal Tassels

2008-12-26T17:12:00.015-05:00

Well, I finally got pics of my new hairfalls! Many thanks to my willing models, Victoria, Taylor & Sahra!

I should have more creations soon...my partner in crime, Zahara, is off total bed-rest during her pregnancy and can be a little more active now. We have our first play-date since September on Tuesday! She's had some time to brew some inspired ideas...watch out! I am looking forward to collaborating with her and exchanging creative energies. I am exhausted just thinking about it!

Look for more postings soon!

something to go with pumpkin spice!

2008-12-12T14:56:00.002-05:00

erika posted her lovely pumpkin spice skirt...here is the cranberry choli to go with it! or if you prefer more pumpkin, i also have another choli in my shop that is pumpkin color to go with it perfectly! it also has pretty sari edge embellishment on the sleeves.

Pumpkin Spice 10yd Skirt

2008-12-08T12:41:00.004-05:00

Need a skirt? Here's another one called Pumpkin Spice.
Its a 10 yd at the hem skirt and lots of squishyness for spinning.
come see it here @
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14047608

and remember- Free shipping from Dec. 8-Dec. 18
Get it soon!

Free Shipping -Erika's Chiquis

2008-12-06T13:16:00.003-05:00

From skirts to cloth diapers to fringe belts to jewelry. Free shipping , within the U.S. only and does not include custom orders, starting Monday, Dec. 8- Thursday, Dec. 18. Check it out @
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Holiday Sales @ your Favorite Belly Dance Etsy Stores

2008-11-30T13:08:00.010-05:00

Looking for the perfect gift for the bellydancer in your life? Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for your instructor, troupe-mates, or even for yourself, Etsy is THE place to shop this season. There are so many talented women making fabulous costumes and accessories that are available in their Etsy shops. We’ve all gotten together in this Gift Guide to offer you some awesome products and special offers to make your holiday season raq!

Big Ass Bindis offers unique handmade, bindis. Get a free gift with every order through the holidays. http://www.bigassbindis.etsy.com/

Cinderelly features all handmade, panne velvet cholis, some with embellished sleeves of lace, or vintage sari egdes. Free shipping thru the holidays to Tribe members. http://www.cinderelly.etsy.com/

Hair Falls, Hair Dreads (wool and synthetic), mini hats for Fusion and Goth and more goodies by Isadora can be found in either of her Etsy shops. For any Tribe member, she is offering 10% off your full purchase and free shipping on all orders over $30. Simply contact her with your tribe name before purchasing. http://www.aileenfairycat.etsy.com/ http://www.cyberindustries.etsy.com/

Erika makes beautiful bellydance patchwork skirts, hair accessories, fringe belts, and cool jewelry- just too much to mention. Free shipping within the U.S. Mon. Dec. 8 - Thurs. Dec. 18 on anything in the store only, (does not include special orders). http://www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com/

Miischelle, home of the Black Tie Bindi and other various knicks and knacks - steampunk, organic-mechanical inspired goodness, etc... Through the end of December Miischelle will be running a Color Sale- all items with any green or red in them will be 30-50% off - to vary in accordance with how much green and red they've got. Everything else will be 10-20% off. http://www.miischelle.etsy.com/

Silk Fashions in the form of burn-out silk velvet jackets, stretch belidi dresses for plus size ladies, and costume bras. Free shipping to all holiday orders $100 or more (USA only). http://www.designsbyjanie.etsy.com/

Custom and pre-made items on her website as well as her Etsy store! Steampunk, tribal and gothic costume pieces! 10% discount to Tribe Members! Please mention Tribe nickname in conversation before payment! http://www.creationsbyangelia.etsy.com/

Hand painted silks, including bellydance veils and hip scarves. Free shipping on all orders (domestic and international) beginning December 1 to December 31. http://www.expressionsinsilk.etsy.com/

Maille, kuchi fusion jewelry, hair sticks, cowrie falls, and so on. Free shipping on orders over $30. http://www.acaseofrandom.etsy.com/

Goth Jacket

2008-11-04T06:38:00.003-05:00

For all you Gothic Belly Dancers or even if you don't dance. I found this awesome jacket and added all the lace to make it more Victorian looking. It didn't fit my arms otherwise it would have been mine. Like it? Love it? Come and see it @ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9693379

2008-10-19T16:32:00.004-04:00

i posted a couple more items to my shop...more cholis! i have many of these teal-y turquoise blue ones. three in medium and two in small. i love the color, and thought it would sell very fast but they didn't.
i also put in a cranberry red one, and another of the burnt orange with the vintage sari detail on the sleeves. i love these, they are very comfortable! i have one in red and one in black with lace sleeves. these blue would be very nice with a peacock inspired costume, do you think? or maybe a mermaid!

Fringe Belts

2008-10-18T12:55:00.007-04:00

I had made these a while ago but never showed them here.
First one is my crochet white belt. This is a plus-size belt. Crochet with pearls on the middle.
Check it out @

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=10124358

Second belt is my Tribaret Fringe Belt with long green fringe. Dragons and glitter on the base.
It ties off with some soft satin ties.
Check it out @

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9561610

More stuff from skirts, head pieces, etc @
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

New Product - Organizational Tins

2008-10-14T14:55:00.001-04:00

I have been busily bouncing around on this idea since this summer, and after working on some great blackwork designs over the past few months, I finally have my first tin out for purchase at this listing!

This project is the culmination of two things I really love, embroidery and organizational items. Blackwork is a distinctive embroidery technique that became popular in sixteenth century England for covering caps, gloves, sleeves, and bodices. Ever since I first learned about this technique, I have wanted to try it out. These small tin pieces are a great way to have some of this intricate work around for me to enjoy in an everyday practical way. I have always loved items that aid in organization and are stylish at the same time, and these tins will fit the bill. I was always sick of digging through my overly stuffed bag at dance performances trying to find my ugly plastic sandwich bag of pins, that ultimately did not get closed all the way and dumped all over my bag. I also love the oh so embarrassing "I can't find my bindi, oh wait, here it is stuck to my costume" situation.

Sticking with my need to make all things multipurpose, these tins can also be more versatile than just uses for a gig bag. It could also help to tame your purse or backpack of its organizational woes. Inside is a mirror for aiding in any contact replacement, bindi adjustment, or make-up touch up needs while at a dance function or when you are just out on the town. This tin is so small and versatile it could be slipped into a clutch purse when out on the town. The interior is also lined with black felt to show off any pretty bindi or jewelry pieces stored inside. I hope you all enjoy these. I really enjoyed developing and making this one. There will be more with other new designs to come in the future!

Purple Pants Anyone?

2008-10-01T19:45:00.003-04:00

I am so excited and pleased to be able to offer these purple pants for sale. Purple is my personal favorite color, so it is always hard for me to part with any purple items, but I would like for these to go to a happy home. Plus, purple is one of the in colors for this fall and winter season! They were a joy to work with, and while I loved working with some new fabrics for the Jakarta line for my recent custom orders, I was happy to get back to saris. There is just something magical about the way the light plays on the fabric, and the colors it creates. The fabric also has great flow and drape to it. Yet, what is great and wonderful about these fabrics is also what is horrible about photographing them. I am never quite happy with the results of my amateur photography skills, and the pants require just the perfect conditions of full sun and zero air movement for me to be able to get them on film. Even when I do get some pictures that turn out, I feel that they miss the luster of the fabrics in most cases. So, here is my humble submission of my photography, modeling, and editing skills on display for you.

You can purchase this pair of pants in my Etsy Shop. I hope you stop in and see what is there for purchase. I have some other great fall and winter colors in and will be adding more pairs of pants soon!

Tassel Barrettes

2008-10-01T00:30:00.009-04:00

Asian Tassel Barrette
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14567065

Pirate Tassel Barrette
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=14565550

I've started making lots of different things for your head. I thought these were cool to use. I have more in mind but that will be
coming up ,hopefully, later this month.

Erika's Chiquis
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Wire Wrapped Bracelets

2008-09-25T06:59:00.005-04:00

I've been working on new things. I've been playing around with wire wrapping. I've been using wire since the early 90's when you had to buy the hardware store kind. Not always a nice wire. I had made earrings more than bracelets.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15429176

I've always been interested in making more interesting bracelets and so I started wire wrapping. My first idea was to make them wide enough to make armbands but I've found another one for those, polymer clay. I'll tell you about those in another blog.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15070473

Anyway, here's what I have up for sale now. I made a few for myself, like I need another piece of jewelry.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15000595
Hope you like it. Erika
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Let Me Introduce Myself!

2008-08-28T12:17:00.009-04:00

Hello Etsy Raqs readers! My name is Amy, and when on stage it is Nadima, and I am the purveyor of Fabulous Pants. I began sewing in 1997 when I joined the Belegarth Medieval Combat Society. Through this association, I not only learned about costume design but also learned about the art of bellydance. I learned off of tape until I joined Pangaea Dance studio in 2005. While dancing at Pangaea, I found that there were few options for comfortable practice pants that were also fashionable enough to wear in restaurants and clubs after practices. I wanted a way to transition from different venues without having to take different clothes with me for each place. After working on costuming for the resident dance troupes, Reflections and Patchwork Silks, as well as my own costuming in Medieval and fantasy clothing design for Belegarth, I began working on my pants design. This exploration could not have come at a better time for me. Another member of the studio, Bastet, approached me about beginning a Gothic Fusion duet now known as Maelstrom. We loved to use Fabulous Pants as one of the bases of our unique costuming, and I wanted to make these pants and other items available for your bellydance needs through Etsy. I am concerned not only with the beauty of design but also with quality fabrics, notions, and workmanship.

So why are they called Fabulous Pants and how did this all begin? Fabulous Pants began as a mere side project for me. I wanted practice wear for bellydance that was lighter weight than sweatpants, versatile in movement, and most importantly fashionable for wearing out of the house, into the studio, and then out on the town for dinners after dance rehearsal. While on vacation, I learned about a type of pant from Indonesia and Bali. The versatility of the garment was just what I was looking for, however they were made for men and did not fit all the curves of the female body. After adapting several patterns, I had made a pant that was light enough for practice and also had enough movement for proper execution of bellydance movements. I then began looking for suitable fabrics to accompany the pants dual nature of practice wear and street attire. Everywhere I wore the pants they were called "fabulous" by people, and so I began calling them Fabulous Pants. After many requests by individuals for where the pants could be obtained, my friends and family convinced me to go into the pants business along with my other side projects of dance belts and tribal fusion costume design. I am dedicated to bringing you high quality products that fit both practice and performance needs made out of the finest materials available. All of the products are handmade with care in my home in Oakland, California. I hope you stop by my Etsy store and take a look around. I am working on some new pants, belts and hairfalls, so look for them to be listed soon!

hi all!

2008-08-27T23:42:00.008-04:00

hi, i'm cindy, and i am excited to be on the the etsy raqs team! i am a new member, i just got my etsy shop up and running this month. my shop name is 'cinderelly', after a pet name my grampa used to call me...i'm cindy, so he called me his 'cinderella', but cinderella seemed to always be taken, and also a little more formal than i am. i liked the form of the name the mice on the disney version called her, 'cinderelly', kind of a little more laid back, like me!

i am a professional seamstress, sewing out of my home for a bridal salon most of the time, and sometimes for a local designer. but i love bellydance and sew bellydance costumes, way more than i can use for myself! i have serious commitment issues...i have taken lessons in cabaret, and gypsy, and tribal, and now back to cabaret again....so you'll never know what i will be sewing up next!

i have this choli in my shop right now, it ties in back to make for a good fit, and has vintage sari edges detail on the sleeves. they have pretty, sparkly, tiny, sequins and gold thread sewn on chiffon. (i adore sparkly!)

i have made many of these cholis in the past, and i also have a couple that i dance in. they are really comfortable and look great whether worn alone, or under a coin bra. i only have two things in my shop right now, but hope to put a lot more things into it now that the bridal season is slowing down to a crawl finally (thank goodness...it was a crazy summer!) i have a pink one cut out, and it also will have the sari edges but a little different pattern. i bought several yards of it from my favorite tribal vendor, silk road tribal, so i have a few ideas for projects to be coming!

Pennies, Pennies, Pennies

2008-08-24T01:58:00.008-04:00

First pic. is my necklace
Second pic. is the one up for purchase

91 Pennies in this choker. I made one for myself and decided to make one to sell. I love pennies and making jewelry out of them. I have more penny jewelry coming soon.
I also have penny barrettes up
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14113563
Not only great for a belly dance costume but also for your belly dance pirate costume. Argh!
Oh Jack
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14061655

www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

More Ideas

2008-08-20T06:46:00.003-04:00

Working on some new hair items-mostly barrettes. I have so many ideas and so little time. Anyway, tell me if you like to see these up for sale-Fairy Hair Falls and my Kuchi Friendship Necklace.
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com
www.erikaschiquis.blogspot.com

Diy Skirt

2008-08-08T09:39:00.007-04:00

Well I did my first diy skirt, in about 2 or 3 years, that I am selling. I used to sell these on ebay but I don't sell there anymore. I do all my items on etsy only. Anyway, here's the skirt Madam Mermaid
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=1407817 6

I can see someone using this for a fusion piece. I tried to take some cool pictures of me in it but I had to hurry(rain)and well it just didn't happen. Anyway, I'll make some more diy skirts soon.
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Skirts Delight

2008-08-06T07:32:00.009-04:00

I've started making more 10 yd Tiered skirts. I have about 5 or 6 total coming down the line. I also have a couple of diy skirts too. Oh and jewelry. I thought I post up my new items up here. First one is Blueberry Kiss
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14003561
Second one is Summer Garden
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=14015817
Pretty In Pink
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=12063095
Caribbean Sea
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_1&listing_id=11911822
last for now-Ocean Breeze
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11911886

Coming soon: Pumpkin Spice, Madam Mermaid diy skirt and Strawberries in Cream Skirt.
One last thing-this photo shot was taken by my 10 year old and 5 year old boys.

www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Pirate Treasures Charm Bracelet

2008-07-27T07:34:00.010-04:00

Well, I wanted to show you the new patchwork skirt I did but I haven't finished the hem or taken pictures yet. Probably next week if no one blogs on here. Anyway, I did finish a Pirate Bracelet called Pirate Treasures. I had been wanting to make one for awhile but didn't get a chance. I am actually making one for myself too. I can't help it. Its not like I need another bracelet. So here's a picture of it. Some of the beads where made by my kids too. Great addition to your Pirate Belly dance costume. Shhhhh, I have two costumes of those. http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=13688482 Oh, and I know its not Belly dance but my 10 year old son is now selling on my etsy site. He has his own section called Cuddly Bunny Creations. http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5450178&section_id=5540798 he's going to be making pillow cases for kids and baby wipes. I also have my mother in law selling on there her knitted hats http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5450178&section_id=5462565 I asked my mom and hopefully she will be sending me items that she makes to sell too. So its turning out to be a family affair.

Erikas
Erikas Chiquis
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Etsy Raqs Team
http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=279

New Site Is Up!

2008-07-18T09:20:00.002-04:00

Hi! Just a note to say that I have been working very hard to get my new shop up and running...and Ta-Da! Here it is! There's not much on it yet, but I will be adding more on a regular basis. Come visit the shop and see what I've been up to! And I promise to post a more interesting blog soon...but I guess something is better than nothing. :-)

Peace,
Patti
www.tribaltassels.etsy.com

The Other Obsession-Jewelry

2008-07-13T00:55:00.007-04:00

My other obsession besides skirts is jewelry. All of it from necklaces, bracelets to earrings. Earrings have always been a favorite piece to wear. In High School I started trying to make my own earrings. Wasn't always successful but I did it. I even sold some back then. I also pierced my ears a few times more so I could wear more. I also wore one earring different than the other on each ear. I did it for not only loving Punk but I always ended up losing earrings and could not afford to always make new ones. Then while in the Army , I found a book on wire jewelry. Well, that started a whole new life for not only earrings but necklaces and bracelets.

Over the years I've been selling , mostly earrings, on the net and locally. I even use to sell Xmas ones at my previous job. I still sell some but started getting into polymer clay and charm bracelets. I made special ones for me with little do dads from broken items, to coins and many odds and ends stuff. I wore the bracelets to my previous job to keep my spirits up. I couldn't keep them all since I was making too many. So I decided to sell them. I love sitting down making the beads for them. Also, my kids always end up making some too and I use them on my bracelets. They are fun bracelets to wear.

I have so much jewelry that its insane. I have like over 100 pairs of earrings and 75% of them I made. Also, lots and lots of bracelets and necklaces. Over half of those I made too. I will sell some more of my jewelry but only if I can part with it. Sometimes I do make two similar kind only so I can keep one.

Erika
www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Diy Skirts

2008-07-05T11:01:00.009-04:00

Thanks ladies for the previous comments on my last blog. I have been thinking about this. Since I am obsessed with skirts and felt like making some different skirts than my patchwork ones , I thought I ask others opinions. I used to sell skirts on ebay as diy. I sold lots of skirts a couple years back, like that one picture here but the market got saturated by manufactures and people who would pump out the same skirt with maybe a different fabric but same style. Thats not diy!Diy should be a unique item that isn't pumped out like a factory. It loses it personal touch, creativity and whats so unique about it if others have it? Anyway, I thought about it and I might put up a couple of skirts like that. I considered them punk/goth diy skirts. I miss making those but didn't have anywhere to sell them until now. So, I'll be doing that this month since I have an etsy store. Let me know what you think. I thought about fusing it with belly dance outfits some how. Hmmm

Skirt Crazy,

Erika

www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com

Etsy Raqs Rocks!!!

2008-06-28T07:36:00.009-04:00

Okay, I'll be the first person to post. I think this is so great to have a place to get handmade belly dance items. I started out buying some of my items when I first started dancing but was disappointed at the options and quality of a lot of items. So began my obsession with making my own items. A big obsession that I really can't keep it all and so began selling my items. I enjoy making skirts, jewelry, belts or whatever I feel like making.

I've always made my clothes and jewelry since High school. You want to know how many skirts I've made for myself in the last 8 years? Lets say I have at least 65 sitting in my closet that are just for everyday wear. I just love skirts. I also love jewelry but thats another blog. I love mixing color on my patchwork skirts. I had a hard time selling these first skirts. I kept saying -but I want to keep them. Do you see what I mean?

Anyway, I hope you peak at my store and all the other lovely ladies here on Etsy Raqs. These talented ladies make some of the most gorgeous, unique, awesome items that you'll be dying to add to your dance wardrobe. Have fun buying.

Obsessed costume maker,
erika

Etsy Raqs

http://team.etsy.com/viewteam.php?id=279

Erikas Chiquis

www.erikaschiquis.etsy.com