Countdown to Christmas 2014 - Week 1

Ready or not, it's just 95 days left until Christmas. 

Julie and Blu has invited us again  this year to join Countdown to Christmas Link up. Week 1 is 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. If you have a blog, please hop this blog and 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.

Seems daunting? I have participated last year, and believe me that this task is so rewarding. 

Here are the highlights based on the colors I chose for this week: golden, beige, blue, and black.

Peacock Druzy Nuggets Handmade Necklace Red Garnet Gemstone Rainbow by ShadowDogDesigns

Israel 10 New Sheqalim Bi-Metallic Coin Pendant 14kt Chain Necklace by dianesdangles

Bracelet Bangle Beaded Net Black Swarovski Crystal Gold Metallic Seed by jazzitupwithdesignsbynancy

Dark Navy Denim Blue Sodalite Earrings Long and Dangling Lever Backs by Thesingingbeader

Copper Dangle Aqua Czech Glass Carnelian Handmade Earring OOAK Jewelry by PrettyGonzo

Navy Blue Coasters and Matching Napkin Rings, Peach and Blue Beads by TheTwistedRedhead

Kyanite Handmade Necklace Swarovski Crystal Banded Agate OOAK by SolanaKaiDesigns

Turquoise, Gold Timepiece Watch Charm Adjustable Bracelet by jnldesigns

Vintage Inspired So Thankful Thank You Tags by Adorebynat

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.

Crafters' Top Picks, Fall Must-Haves List and Halloween Must-Haves

Hello friends!
I've been teaming up with other shops to come up with Crafters' Top Picks, Fall Must-Haves List and Halloween Must-Haves. Thanks to Bethany from Down With Plumes who led and wrote these wonderful articles. Bethany was our Saturday Artisan in May.

Below are the highlights and I encourage you to click on each link to go to the original post and you will see a lot of wonderful handmade products. 

On the Crafters' Top Picks, we have Weil'd Hair and Accessories,  Sweet Pistol Rose, Sweet Pea Designs by Dee, Picots & Mimosas, Nerdtastic, Handmade Moms LLC, Down with Plumes, Camille's Charms, BeeBee and Jack, and Adore by Nat

On the Fall Must-Haves List, we have Picots&Mimosas, Magnolia Blossom Crochet,  Down with Plumes,  Sweet Pea Designs by Dee, W(e)il'd Hair & Accessories, Corvid Castle, It's Only Natural,  EKayG Crafts, Adore by Nat, and Lindsay's Secret Closet.

On the Halloween Must-Haves, we have Adore by Nat,  BeeBee and Jack, Down with Plumes, Handmade Moms LLC, Picots & Mimosas, Sweet Pea Designs by Dee, Sweet Pistol Rose, and Weil'd Hair and Accessories

Want to join this awesome group called Down with Plumes' Blog Group? You can find us here. 

Giveaway from Ribbit Gifts: Peace Sign Cord Bracelet

Win this beautiful peace sign cord bracelet.

Learn more about Cristina, the artist behind this great shop, here on Saturday Artisan post.  

Number of winner: 1 (One)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Contest starts now and ends on October 3, 2014. Contest opens US and Canada (Free Shipping to US only). Open to Legal Residents (18 years of age or older). 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 October 4th. Winner will be selected by Random.org and be notified by e-mail. Adorebynat is not responsible for sponsors that do not fulfill their prizes. I have represented each sponsor with the expectation they will fulfill their prizes and in a timely manner. Winner must respond within 48 hours after being contacted otherwise another winner will be randomly selected. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.

Don't forget to check out other current giveaway here.

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

Saturday Artisan: Ribbit Gifts

Meet Cristina, our Saturday Artisan. She is the owner and artist behind Ribbit Gifts. Cristina specializes in everyday jewelry. She also support and giving back to her local community. 

Let's get to know her more, shall we?

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

I make cute stud earrings and everyday jewelry. A necklace, bracelet and earrings the can be worn any day and for any occasion.

What is the story behind your shop name?  

I've been a lover of frogs since birth. So, Ribbit Gifts just seemed fitting :)

Who is your target market?

My jewelry is not geared toward any one specific person. I have jewelry for kids, teens, 20 somethings, moms and grandmothers :)

Which part of creation process that you enjoy the most?

I enjoy shopping for the charms I use.

For us who love to travel, could you share a bit about your beautiful town/ city? 
I live in Arlington, TX. Home of the Dallas Cowboys, Texas Rangers and Six Flags. There's so much to do here.

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

I have bins and bins full of organized charms. I keep all shipping supplies together in a box with easy access to each part that I need.

What is your best seller?

My best sellers are my Starbucks Necklace and all of my animal themed bracelets.

How does your day go in general?

I check for orders in the morning. Get all of the supplies necessary. Get each piece done in the order I received them. Package them and mail them out. I have scheduled times where I do marketing through social media throughout the day.

How do you balance your personal and work life?

I schedule all of my marketing through social media which allows me to not be tied down to the computer. After my orders are prepared and sent out in the morning I spend quality time with my toddler. We go to the park, the library, swim in the backyard and just play.

What inspires you?

My daughter inspires me. I strive to show her how important creativity is and to do what you love.

What is your goal for 2014?  And are you on the right track?

My goal is to continue to profit and donate 15% of my sales each month to charities and organizations near and dear to my heart. So far, I'm on track and hope it continues.

What is the key to success?

dedication and being unique

Any advice for others running their on-line shop?

Be patient. Success does not happen overnight for most. I barely made sales online my first year. Now, I have almost 300 sales in year 2. It just takes time and dedication.

What does handmade mean to you?

Handmade means unique, one of a kind items made with love.

You can find Ribbit Gifts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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