Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 4

The fun continues! I participate Julie and Blu's Countdown to Christmas Link up on a weekly basis. Week 4 post can be found here. 

The rule is very easy. In fact, there is only  ONE RULE - You must promote all the items posted as soon as the posting closes. What kind of promotions? We love doing Pinterest pinning, Wanelo, Twitter tweeting and blogging. Using Pinterest and Wanelo is what we like best because they shows the items.

Here is my Pinterest board for Countdown to Christmas 2014.

This week there were 71 items to promote, yay!  

This week I'm choosing handmade products with some blues and greens. Check them out! P

Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to leave a comment, share this post by clicking the social media icons (twitter, google+, facebook etc) found on top, just under this blog post title. 

I hope to see you on Julie and Blu' blog this weekend for Week 5.

Saturday Artisan: Strega Jewellry

Meet Lee, the owner and artist of Strega Jewellry. Lee offers unique handmade jewelries. Her You-Nique Earrings are something that you rarely see in other shops. Let's get to know her more, shall we?

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I suppose I am a "jack of all trades", have tried my hand at many things, am a knitter, do kumihimi, Chinese knots, macramé and sew but my most favorite past time is making jewelry. I started out taking wire wrapping classes at the Art Center here in Dayton and ended up as an instructor in the Arise program. I continued classes and fell in love with metal clay for a while, dabbled in polymer, but always come back to wire. It's such a versatile media. I'm happy to learn the other things because I can use them all.  

What is the story behind your shop name? 

I am pagan. Originally I wanted a target market of wiccans and needed a name that would mean something to that particular group. I also did not want something too witchy because it's scary to some people who do not know about nature based religions and think that Wiccans are devil worshipers so I I doodled around with earthy names and blue moons and fairy names and finally settled on Strega which is an Italian word for witch. 

Who is your target market?

When I started, I had a target market in mind, the metaphysical group who love natural stones and stone lore and pieces that reflected a certain spiritual inclination. Then, I grew outward from wire wrap and learned new things and had so much fun, I make all kinds of things. Now, I think that has changed and I target folks who like bold and unusual items, one of a kind.  

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I LOVE finding or making a focal or beads and then dreaming up what I am going to do with them. I love sketching out a design and even if the idea falls apart and I have to back up and dream up something new, I love that part of it. I love finding the beads and wire components that fit together, rummaging through my stash for beads, browsing books or tutorials for links or components that will really set off a piece.  

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

Did you say "organize"? Wait, I may have to go look that word up.

What is your best seller?

I sell more earrings than anything else. After that, I would have to say stone pendants.

How does your day go in general?

I try to have a plan. I take care of my son's 3 boys while he works so I have to work around their schedule. Usually mornings are for "around the house" stuff. If I have pictures to take, or pieces that need hammering, I get them involved so I am not ignoring them. Even the 3 year old knows what to get when I say "I need the bench block, the chasing hammer and leather" and he can help if I am using a rubber hammer. They love doing things with me.
After lunch, when it is "rest period" I sketch or sort beads for a project work on my blog or list items. After they leave, it's me, my beads and wire. Not a lot of time but we work it out.  

What inspires you?

I'm inspired by the natural world, the colors, the stones, ancient stone lore and the general "feel" of a rock in my hand or the earth under my feet. I'm inspired by music some times. A song or tune will get stuck in my head and I will wonder what it would "feel" like if I put it to beads.  

What is the key to success?

Perseverance  

What does handmade mean to you?

Hand made is time and energy and love all poured into creating something by one's self, or as much by one's self as possible. It's taking the time for details and not turning out pieces that look just like every one else's work.  

What is your favorite quote, song, or movie?

Apache proberb: make my enemy strong, so that if I am defeated, I need not be ashamed. My favourite song is Little Wing.



Connect with Lee here: 

https://twitter.com/stregajewellry

http://www.pinterest.com/stregajewellry/

https://www.facebook.com/StregaJewellry

http://stregajewellry.wordpress.com 

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan and sponsor a giveaway?

Here is how to apply.

MID-YEAR SALE

Sale is on just for a few days, so hurry!  :-)

Enjoy 30% off any order!

Below are just a few of what you can find at my shop.




Visit my Artfire shop and do not hesitate to contact me if you don't see what you are looking for. I love custom orders!

Spotted Tuesday: Pretty and Hot

Happy Tuesday!
The weather lately has been a bit crazy over here. It's supposed to be hot and dry but the rain comes to visit recently, which I don't mind actually. I would rather be cold than hot. 

Outside is wet and cloudy and I thought choosing pretty and hot colors will brighten up my day and hopefully yours too. 

Here are some beautiful products found on Artfire and Storenvy, handmade and non-handmade. I love handmade products. I also support small businesses regardless they are handmade or not. I myself have a handmade shop and a non-handmade shop. Those keep me busy!

Check out these amazing shops! If you are looking for accessories for yourself or your little ones, these shops are worth checking out!

Mini-Pouch in Hot Pink Squeeze by Sew Beastly

 




  

Ruffled Hot Pink Polka Dot Panty Underwear with Black Lace by Flirt and Flair 

Quilted Black Chevron Duffle with Hot Pink by Lila Janes

10 pcs Hot Pink Colorshine Makeup Brush Set with Pouch by Sweet Stuff!

Cute Funny Onesie by Celebrity Cotton

Let's spread the love! Share this post using one or a few social media icons found on the bottom of this post please. Leave me a comment and that would certainly brighten up my day :-) 

Spotted Tuesday: Easter 2014

Two years ago, I took my little guy to the Easter Eggs Hunt event. He was 4. 

This year, we just did a little bit of crafting with whatever we can find at home.

Saturday Artisan: Andrea Designs

Meet Andrea, our Saturday Artisan! She is a talented artist and a proud owner of Andrea Designs. She is wonderful person that I am thankful to get a chance to work with. As the Master Guild of Crazy Train Riders, she actively promotes her team members. Truly, not only her creations are beautiful but her heart is so kind.

Let's get to know her, shall we?  

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I was born and raised in Lima-Peru, South-America. My medium is fiber, I love to knit and crochet, I learned when I was in High School, I didn't do much after that, when I started collage, my dad bought a knitting machine to my mom, she didn't learn but I did, I loved it, I became a knitting machine instructor working for one of the Singer stores in Lima, I learned to make dresses, pants, baby clothing etc.

When I got married and came to United States (25 years ago), I didn't bring the knitting machine with me. I was working as a supervisor in a Call Center in Texas, and I started to think about to have my own business. I thought to start making sweaters or scarves in a knitting machine, I got the knitting machine and my journey to buy yarn started. I begun checking online where I could get the yarn, I was looking for specific fiber, I bought some yarn, but I didn't get the results I was expecting. I visited other online stores, started buying beautiful yarn that I fall in love, however I couldn't use them in the knitting machine because they were very thick. Again, I start using the two needles like when I was in High School.
I use fine yarns as Peruvian and American alpaca, Italian and French acrylic, French angora. I transform the fiber in wearable art as scarves, shawls, hats, ponchos, shoulder warmers, jackets, love to combine different textures and fiber that is soft to the skin, light, comfortable, elegant and breath taking. My goal is reached when my customer is happy with the product she has chosen and tells me she was asked... .WHERE DID YOU GET THAT? IT IS SO BEAUTIFUL.!.. I am in the Master Knitter Program to become a Master Knitter.


I am a proud member of The Artisan Group, a elite close-knit community of over 800 talented world- wide artisans, that gifts a collective sampling of handcrafted products to celebrities and members of the press at gift lounges, my products had participated in the 2012 CMA, at 2013 GBK's Annual Pre-Emmy Celebrity Gift Lounge 2013 here is a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JxhYL8_Fajw where my display was shown, it is the scarf, this year my products will participate in the GBK's MTV Movie awards lounge gifting to the Press.

What is the story behind your shop name?  

It is my first name.

Who is your target market?

My target market is women of all ages, my items are liked by women and girls, also I have some male customers.

 

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

 All of them, what in general inspired me is the color, type of fiber, or sometimes I have an idea in my head, I will draw what I want to do, that way I won't forget, and I will look for the materials, also I enjoy the process, if I am not satisfied with the result, I will start all over again, I want to provide a perfect item.

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city? 

I live in Batesville, Indiana, we move here in April 2010, my husband was born here, we moved from El Paso, Tx, he was working in a Fort over there, he wanted, when he will retire to go back to his birth town, what we did. This town is about 6200 people, west 70 miles from Indianapolis, east 50 miles from Cincinnati, OH, south about 50 miles from Kentucky, it is a farm community, it has the 4 seasons, right now is the white season snow the whole winter, the hardest winter in about 20 years, spring, summer and fall are beautiful, everything is green, during fall the leaves turn red, it is an amazing and beautiful view like a postcard, it's a beautiful place.

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

I organized the yarn in plastic drawers with labels, I put them by color and fiber. The same with my beads.

What is your best seller?

 I have two best seller a scarf and a pair of fingerless gloves. They vary in color. I sell them a lot in person.

How does your day go in general?

In the morning coming down to my studio, is located in the basement of the house about 900 sq. feet, this is a new house so it has a lot of light, I have all my equipment like knitting and sewing machines, couple of tables and chairs, other knitting tools and a lot of yarn and beads, paper to create my own cards, printer and my computer, check and answer emails, check my studio for messages, prepare the post for the next rider, make collections, work in my creations, take photos, edit photos, post new items in the website.

You can find Andrea at:

Facebook
Blog
Twitter
Pinterest
Amazine
Polyvore

Stay-tuned for tomorrow's giveaway!

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan? Here is how to apply.

 

Saturday Artisan: Desert Creations

Meet Jennifer, the artist behind AZ Desert Creations. She is our Saturday Artisan for this week. She is one of women with multi-talents I know. She is a jewelry artist, makes pretty bows and crochet beautiful scarves.

  

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

My name is Jennifer and I am a jewelry designer artist. I have been making jewelry for 10 years. I have been working with polymer clay for 3 years. My handmade business is licences in the state of AZ. I grew up in Mississippi where I met my wonderful husband. Shortly after we got married we moved to Sunny Arizona. After 5 years of marriage we had our wonderful son. 19 months ago we were blessed with a wonderful baby girl. Born 9/6/2011. My husband and I are going on 18 years of marriage.

What is the story behind your shop name?  

I am in the AZ Desert and wanted a name to match. My Hubby came up with the name and it fits :)

Who is your target market?

 Everyone from old to young :)

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I enjoy creating new items and watching them take form.

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

I organize my items by category. All earrings together and all scarves, necklaces, and so forth in their proper place.

What is your best seller?

My Tree of Life necklaces and my Ruffle Scarves.

How does your day go in general?

I start off the day with the kids. I then take care of e-mails. Next I check social media. I then home school my Son and read to my baby girl. Lunch time for the kids and a snack for me. I write down any new ideas I have running around in my head. Time to create. It is never done and I enjoy every min of it.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

There is never enough time in the day to get everything done. My kids always come first :)

What inspires you?

EVERYTHING

What is your goal for 2014?  

To build my online sales and get my product in more peoples hands.

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?Never give up!

Would you like to be featured as a Saturday Artisan? Here is how to apply.

Saturday Artisan: Ginger's Garden

Meet our Saturday Artisan:  Irena, the artist and owner behind Ginger's Garden. Her online shop is here.

As a coffee lover, I adore this coffee beans handmade soap!

Irena has been in the business for over 25 years. With years of experience and family background, she certainly is an expert in making soaps. Get to know her a little bit more, shall we?

Tell us a bit about yourself and what arts/ crafts that you make?

I was born in Prague, Czech Republic. I am a third generation Aromatherapist, herbalist, soapmaker & bath and body formulator. My mother and grandmother made lotions, potions and creams. My mother's kitchen was full of herbs drying upside down or dark glass bottles filled with wonderful herbal infusions. I am following in their footsteps. I work with different types of oils, natural butters or fragrant oils that are used in my artisan soaps, lotions, lip balms and creams. 

What is the story behind your shop name?  

My middle name is Ginger and I love flowers and gardens. So it was easy for me to pick a name. Ginger's Garden is now a registered trademark.

Who is your target market?

My target market is everyone that needs a bar of quality handmade artisan soap. I educate the general public about the wonderful ingredients that go into each soap batch and how much better they are for their skin unlike commercial synthetic cleansing bars. 

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I enjoy working with colors, fragrances and essential oils. I like to make my own blends, which in turn get put into my soaps, lotions, perfumes and body balms. 

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city? 

I live in the desert of Palm Springs, California. Most days have sunny, warm weather. In the summer it gets hot with triple digit heat. I don't mind the heat too much. I would rather have warmth then the cold or snow in other parts of the country.

Could you share on how your organize your products, we all can use a little tips here and there in this department?

I have about 600 bars of in my inventory at any given time. To me, organization is a must. I use baker's racks to store totes full of soap. Each tote has a label with the name and the date made. That way I make sure that all my handmade soaps are well cured and not sold early. All my ingredients are also labeled. I keep a master list so I can tell at a glance if I need to make more soap or buy an oil or butter. I have a fridge dedicated to storing some of the more fragile oils, butters, hydrosols and aloe vera. 

What is your best seller?

The top five best sellers for right now are:
1. Goat's Milk Natural Unscented Soap
2. Shaving Cream
3. Lavender Essential Oil Soap
4. Lotion made with Mango Butter
5. Anise Licorice Natural Lip Balm

 

How does your day go in general?

I prefer to work in the late hours. My day starts around 9 AM. I try to have everything ready the night before, so my soapmaking oils and butters are ready to be melted. I check my email for orders and fill them. Then I make soap. I might make another gallon of lotion, a bunch of lotion bars, lip balms or anything else that needs to be made. Sometimes I get too busy to eat, so my lunch might be around 2 PM. After all that is done, I check online with other soapmakers, where we exchange any news, tips or sales. My day ends around midnight.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

My children are grown. Since I work out of my home, I get to choose my own hours. Those hours are sometimes long as I also work on weekends. Since I do this full time, if I don't work, I don't get to pay myself. I do take some time off on occasion. I also babysit my grandson as needed. Most days I am at home working on my business.

What inspires you?

I get my inspiration from many places. I look at a painting and wonder how those colors would work in soap. I look at nature and try to replicate the scents that I smell and the colors that I see.

What is your goal for 2014?  

My goal for 2014 is to get more wholesale accounts and to work smarter, not harder. It takes the same amount of time to make a 10 lb. batch as it takes to make a 20 lb. batch.

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Running an online shop isn't easy. You need to entice customers with well written descriptions and good photos. When I started to sell on the internet around 1991, small businesses were easier to find. Now you need good SEO and links, so your business can be found. I am happy to know that my business page was on page 2 of Google at the end of December 2013. I am doing something right.

Saving money is important; tell us one thing that you do to save money?

I use recycled boxes, peanuts and paper for most of my customer's orders. It saves me money and it's good for the environment.


Ginger's Garden can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Google+, and Flickr.

Giveaway from Shadow Dog Designs: Fuchsia Czech Glass Swarovski Earrings

Win this awesome giveaway! Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs is giving away a pair of  Fuchsia Czech Glass Swarovski Earrings.

Get to know Catherine a little bit more by visiting the last Saturday's Artisan post.

 All eyes will be on you when wearing these fabulously cheerful handmade earrings, named FUCHSIA IS SO FUN. "Glowing" and " stunning" should be their middle name. Created with fuchsia colored Czech glass tumbled nuggets, 6 mm and 4 mm "fuchsia" Swarovski crystal faceted bicones and sterling silver, they will definitely lift your spirits any time you wear them! The one of a kind beaded earrings were designed and created by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs. 

 

The color of the Czech glass nuggets is a luscious color of fuchsia, a deep magenta pink. The nuggets are faceted with an English cut and have been lightly tumbled to give an old, antiqued look to the glass. Because of that, some edges are worn and there are spots that almost look like smoothed chips in the glass. The glass was then given a shimmery metallic finish that sometimes glistens with a pale tangerine color when the light hits it just right. Fabulous! As you can see in photos #2 and #7, when backlit, the color absolutely comes alive. Now just imagine these on your ears! A sterling silver daisy spacer caps the top and bottom of the nuggets. In addition, a 2 mm sterling bead was added at the bottom.

To add even more sparkle to the FUCHSIA IS SO FUN earrings, I chose to add two different sizes of "fuchsia" faceted Swarovski crystal bicones: 6 mm and 4 mm. The crystals were stacked one on the other above the Czech glass nuggets. A sterling silver daisy spacer separates the 6 mm Swarovski crystal from the Czech glass and a 2 mm sterling bead separates the crystals. A 2 mm sterling bead was placed on top of the smaller crystal.

All the components used to create the main body of the FUCHSIA IS SO FUN earrings were strung on handmade (by me) sterling silver headpins. The headpins have a hand hammered loop at the bottom to add extra interest. The top of the headpin was carefully wire wrapped into a loop and then connected to sterling silver French hook earwires. A lovely finish for a fun pair of earrings!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Contest starts now and ends on March 2, 2014. Contest opens to worldwide (tracking may not be available to countries outside of US). Don't forget to leave me a way to contact you. Entries without contact information will be disqualified. Entries that do not follow the rules will be disqualified. Contest winner will be drawn on March 3rd. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected. Good luck, everyone!

Movie Themed Party

Movie themed party is such a fun theme to have for any ages and both genders.  Whether you are celebrating a First Birthday, a Ninth birthday, a Sweet Sixteen, or a Girls Night Out, it is definitely a party theme to consider. If you are planning for a surprise party for a Movie Fanatic, then this is it!

Party Decoration 

These movie theater favor tags were originally created as a custom order. The phrase "Thank You For Starring In...." is cute, followed by a customized text such as "Lily's 9th Birthday".  The colors I chose in here is black, red and white. Just like my other creations, I like to use high-quality materials including textured cards and that extra little detail makes these tags pop out. You will also get many movie-related images, not just one (unless you want to of course!).

Other party decorations such as cupcake toppers, banner, napkin rings, stickers, and invitations can be customized and available upon request.

Foods to Serve 

How about some cute decorated popcorn cupcake to serve at the party? This recipe seems easy and yet delicious! Mmm...yummy marshmellow!

If you are hosting an Oscars party, then these Golden Oscar Cookies are a must to serve!

Entertainment

A movie themed party will not be a fun party if there is no entertainment planned.  Watching a movie I think is a must, but how about setting up a photo corner and catch your guests in action? This decal will be a perfect photo prop to have.

Gift Ideas

Now, what is your favorite movie?

Countdown to Christmas - Week 12

Here we are in the last week of Countdown to Christmas hosted by Julie and Blu. The Countdown to Christmas - Week 12  has been completed with 113 linked items! I kind of sad that we are wrapping up this weekly countdown. But as it's said, all good things must come to an end.

Participants must promote each item. It is all about working together as a handmade community and support each other. After all, it's only fair to promote others while others work so hard in promoting our products. 

There is a 3 item limit for each shop or studio. Multiple shops may post three for each.

Check out my Countdown to Christmas Pinterest Board for more wonderful artworks.

This week I'm sharing 3 party decorations from my Artfire shop:

Robot Cupcake Toppers, Personalized for Birthday or Baby Shower  

Little Peanut Pink Elephant Favor Tag in Chevron for Baby Shower Party 

Zebra Stripe Print Crown Tiara Favor Tags for Girls Birthday Party

 

 And 3 more adorable party supplies from my Storenvy shop:

Owl Napkin Rings

It's a Boy Monkey Banner for Party or Nursery Decoration

Pink Owl with Turquoise Wing Stickers, Personalized

 

What is so great about this Weekly Countdown, you asked? It's definitely fun! Not only I get to brag about share mine, I also get to admire fellow handmade artisans' works: different kinds of jewelries such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, detailed quilts, fancy beaded chopsticks, antique candle holder, beads, catnip toys, accessories such as watch band, stickers, ornaments, knitted scarf and hand knit dish cloth, and miniature doll. You can find gifts for any ages, male and female, a treasure hunter or a golfer, even for your pet.

I hope you enjoy this selection.
Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to leave a comment, share this post by clicking the social media icons (twitter, google+, facebook etc) found on top, just under this blog post title.

Countdown to Christmas - Week 11

Here we are in December already. Time flies and soon we will say good bye to the year 2013. While we are at it, let's enjoy and celebrate every moment of it. 

Julie and Blu host weekly Countdown to Christmas promotion. I have so much fun with it and am kind of sad that it will end soon. The Countdown to Christmas - Week 11  has been completed with 123 linked items! I can tell that we are all in a full swing getting ready for the Holiday Season. 

There is only ONE more week to participate in this Oh-So-Much-Fun promo and I encourage all handmade shops owners to join.  

There is a 3 item limit for each shop or studio. Multiple shops may post three for each. Keep in mind that it's G-rated. Posting starts from Friday to midnight Sunday, which should provide a lot of time to add items.

Check out my Countdown to Christmas Pinterest Board for more wonderful artworks.

3 items from my Storenvy shop:

Teddy Bear Thank You Tags, Personalized

 

 Airplane Pilot Favor Tags for Boys Birthday Party

 

Robot Food Tent Cards or Place Cards, Personalized

Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to leave a comment, share this post by clicking the social media icons (twitter, google+, facebook etc) found on top, just under this blog post title.

Collections of the Week: Friday, Oct 25th to Thursday, Oct 31st, 2013

Happy Friday!

Here we are in November already! I just can't believe how time flies. There are a lot of Holidays to celebrate around this time of the year.  

Halloween was just yesterday. Some said that it's their most favorite holiday, the day that they have been waiting for all year around. Fun costumes, spooky decorations, including Jack O' Lantern, and Trick or Treating are customary practices in most countries.


Thanksgiving for the US folks is just around the corner. It is the forth Thursday of November while Canadians have theirs on the second Monday of October. Thanksgiving is actually my next most favorite holiday after Christmas. Thanksgiving day was historically celebrated as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest. Today, it is more known as a tradition where families and friends get together and give thanks for what they have for. A special meal is served, which include large roasted turkey.

Christmas is not too far behind. Even though Christmas is celebrated around the world, it is celebrated differently among countries. Christmas traditions may vary as they are deeply influenced by local cultures. I find them intriguing. You can find more well-written and fun articles about Christmas around the world on Julie's Blue Morning Expressions blog. 
  
I am humbled to be included in 14 awesome collection this week. Thank you to those who included my items. I'm truly honored.

Many thanks for your visit. Feel free to leave a comment here and at the collections, share this post by clicking the social media icons (twitter, google+, facebook etc) found on top, just under this blog post title.

Countdown to Christmas - Week 6

Happy Monday!


Julie and Blu host weekly Countdown to Christmas promotion and the Countdown to Christmas - Week 6  has been completed with 112 linked items! Impressive!

All handmade shops owners are invited to join.  
There is a 3 item limit for each shop or studio. Multiple shops may post three for each. Keep in mind that it's G-rated. Posting starts from Friday to midnight Sunday, which should provide a lot of time to add items. Participate as many weeks as you like.

I have a Countdown to Christmas Pinterest Board for this and tweet and retweet. Working together as a team and promote each other bring positive impact for us with an ultimate goal of making sales.  

Thank you for stopping by. Feel free to leave a comment, share this post by clicking the social media icons (twitter, google+, facebook etc) found on top, just under this blog post title.

Collections of the Week: Friday, Oct 18th to Thursday, Oct 24th, 2013

Happy Friday!

This week has been a busy week including a quick trip to Singapore on Thursday and coming right back on Friday afternoon.

I am honored to be included in the following collections curated by other amazing Artfire members. I appreciate their kindness for including my items and in return, I spread the words out about these collections including highlighting them here in my blog.

I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

Collections of the Week: Friday, Oct 11th to Friday, Oct 18th, 2013

Happy Friday!

Here we are on the weekend already.  I hope you had a great week. Guess what? I'm the lucky winner of ShadowDogDesigns' giveaway hosted at http://christiecottage.blogspot.com. I have been admiring Catherine's works so to win a pair of her earrings really made my day. Thanks so much, Catherine! And thank you Jacki for hosting the giveaway.

Copper and turquoise are a perfect combination as this pair of handmade earrings show! Exquisitely detailed copper beads and blue Sleeping Beauty turquoise nuggets are the stars of the KASHMIR SKY earrings. Dazzling for dress up and delightful with casual clothes, the KASHMIR SKY earrings will quickly become favorites as you reach for them time and time again. The KASHMIR SKY earrings were designed and carefully handmade by Catherine of Shadow Dog Designs in a studio overlooking miles of stunning Southwestern desert.

Here is the important information for the KASHMIR SKY handmade earrings:

Fancy copper beads: app. 16 mm x 12 mm
Sleeping Beauty turquoise nuggets: on average, app. 8 mm x 9 mm
Metal: copper and sterling silver
Earwires: sterling silver French hooks with copper bead accent
Length: just a bit less than 2" / 5.1 cm


Turquoise is believed to be a stone of wholeness, promoting a sense of unity with all that surrounds us; it brings peace of mind, a soothing energy and healing of the spirit.  Said to bring wisdom and understanding, turquoise helps in the recognition of beauty, in others as well as ourselves.  It melds together the energies of the heavens with the consciousness of Mother Earth. Copper is believed to allow the wearer to recognize the barriers which are in the path of personal development. Silver is a metal of love and healing; it is a mirror to the soul, helping us to see ourselves as others see us.

Now it's time to share some of fantastic Artfire collections featuring some of my items. Thank you Lisa, Pam, Anna and Valerie for including me on your beautiful collections.

Lisa of cardsbylibe generously made 3 collections that included my tags and banner. Look how awesome her collections are! 2 of them featuring handmade items participated at Julie & Blu's blog:  Countdown to Christmas - Week 4. 

Pam of PebblesatmyFeet curated Pink and Brown collection that made in to Artfire Front Page. Yay!

Anna of craftsofthepast faithfully making collection on a weekly basis for Wanelo Save team. Thanks Anna for promoting us continuously.

And last but not least, let's welcome Valerie of ValeriePullam to Artfire. It is her first time curating a collection and she did it beautifully, didn't she?

Countdown to Christmas - Week 4

Julie & Blu host the weekly Countdown to Christmas promotion. The Countdown to Christmas - Week 4  has been completed with 108 items shared. Impressive!

All handmade shops owners are invited to join.  
There is a 3 item limit for each shop or studio. Multiple shops may post three for each. Keep in mind that it's G-rated. Posting starts from Friday to midnight Sunday, which should provide a lot of time to add items. Participate as many weeks as you like.

There is ONE RULE - You must promote the collection as soon as the posting closes. It is required to promote each item to one social network, preferably Pinterest or Wanelo where we can see the item. Twitter and Facebook are fine, they just do not show the item.

I have a Countdown to Christmas Pinterest Board for this and tweet and retweet. Working together as a team and promote each other bring positive impact for us with an ultimate goal of making sales. 

There are so many beautiful handmade items and it's quite hard to select just a few, so what I do is to come up with a theme and this week I'd like to highlight anything BLUES from the collection.

Horse Bird Pewter Handmade Necklace Quartz Magnesite Unique Jewelry from ShadowDogDesigns

Tree Tapestry Pillow - Handmade Crochet Tapestry Fiber Art - Eco 16x16 from RSSDesignsInFiber

 

Art Glass Plate with Aqua Blue Iridescent Geometric Design, 8 Inch from

ResetarGlassArt

Hand Beaded Agate Slice Pendant Cobalt Crystal Teal Pearl Necklace from specialtivity

Sleepy Eyed Stuffed Hand Painted Owl Toy or Home Decoration from 

Wyverndesigns

Whimsical Snowman With Birds Handcrafted Winter Holiday Card from

cardsbylibe

Blue flower Necklace with Swarovski Crystals Polymer Clay Czech Beads from bluemorningexpressions

Multi-Colored Fused Glass Dichroic Pendant with Gold Plated Bail by

Umeboshi

  

Cute Owl Stickers for Children Birthday or Baby Shower Party by

adorebynat

Until next time!

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland is one of the most charming, adventurist stories that gains its popularity with adults and children.  No wonder it has been a popular theme for wedding and baby shower parties.  With that in mind, I have created these teabag favors that are perfect for any kind of parties.

Different images of many characters such as Alice herself,  March Hare,  the Hatter, and  Dormouse, Caterpillar, The Queen of Hearts and many more are included in this set.

Here are a set of Alice in Wonderland teabag favors I've completed recently. My client requested different ribbons and teas to be used.

 Personalization is such a trend too and giving you more personal touch. Here is an example set of personalized teabag favors.

You can find many Alice in Wonderland themed goods out there.