A Few of My Favorite Things

A feature of my favorite handmade items for my fellow Handmade Artisans.

Send the perfect Handmade greeting to loved ones with this adorable "JOY" Quilted Holiday Card from Sew Happy Designs.

This card measure 5x7 inches, comes with a matching envelope, and mails with a regular first class postage stamp.

Next up is Aunt Franni of Sunny Days Embroidery. This lady does some of the best embroidery work I've ever seen, and has a variety to suite any and all buyers in her shop on ArtFire.

I couldn't help but fall in love with the lace snowflakes she is offering. These are samples and of course she offers a customization of colors, including metallics. Measuring in at 4x4 inches and made entirely out of thread, I think they are just amazing! Buy the set and save $4 USD on the shipping price.

 In perfect keeping with traditional Holiday Colors, and impeccable jewelry design, my fellow jewelry artisan Jewelled Trellis has these beautiful Irish Colleen Earrings;

An accessory that can be purchased for Christmas and worn the whole year through! 

Now crocheting wire is something I yearn to learn someday. Though I'm sure I will, I doubt I will ever hold a candle to the lovelies that are created by Cats Wire. Even if you're not into serpents like this Fine Silver Crocheted  Snake Necklace; I'm positive you'll find many things in her studio that are absolutely charming!

 

If you're looking for just the right set of Holiday Greetings to send out, Dawn Correspondence is your handmade place to shop! In her Etsy store, she is offering this set of 8 (eight) Pink and Gray Snowflake Holiday Cards.

Each set comes with 8 card and 8 envelopes. If this isn't the right set for you, there are many other sets to be had in this shop!

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all you for posting links to your shops. Keep the comments and links coming, and I will do a feature of your shops once a week.

'Til next time,

Be Well and Be Crafty

~~April

Blog Features

So when I first started blogging, I would feature my fellow artisans each week. Well needless to say, I've been slacking! (and not just on my blog) I now vow to be more productive in my day to day life on and off line.

So here's what we're gonna do. Instead of me going through shops, asking for permission and all of that fun stuff; I'm going to let you post here.

The first 5 people to post a comment linking me to your shops,(I get to pick the items) will get a spotlight on my blog with photos and links back to your studio. I will update this at least once a week, and let you know when it's time for a new group. The posting will also be included in my weekly newsletter, which will hopefully drive more traffic to my blog, and to our shops.

I love doing this. For some reason, I have always enjoyed promoting my fellow artisans. I might even decide to post this to HandmadeNews.org (haven't decided on that yet). If this all works out, I will start switching up rapid carts on my blog as well.

I plan on setting up this spotlight tomorrow so get your comments and links in. Don't procrastinate! I do enough of that for all of us!!

~~April

Stuck in a Crafting Rut

I just can't seem to figure it out. I'm stuck in a crafting rut(I liken this to writer's block) and I'm not quite sure how to get back on track!

Is it that my craft room is in the basement and cold? (I do have a space heater)

Is it that I have so many supplies that I don't know where to start?(I could just go pick out a bead and go from there)

Could it be that I'm discouraged about the lack of sales over the Holiday weekend that was supposed to be a super selling weekend? ( I should just get over that!)

Is it possible that I'm overwhelmed by all the stuff that needs to be done around the house that I'm just avoiding everything all together? (if I don't do it, it will not get done)

Perhaps I have so many ideas, plans, want to's, and such that I just can't focus on one. (now my head is spinning)

Ya know what I think???? I think I just answered all of my own questions!

I think it's a combination of all of the above!

Haaaaaaaaalp!!! I've fallen into a crafting rut and I can't get out!!!!

Sorry, thanks for listening while I ramble...at least I did update my blog!

So what did I really get done?

So what did I get done since my last post? Well let's see here. I think I wound up making about 3 batches of soap instead of just one. I didn't get too much listed in my supply shop but I did get some pics taken.

On a whim, the family and I decided to take off to Savannah, Georgia to see family that we haven't seen in years. It was awesome! We had an awesome time catching up with the latest happenings, visiting with the newest and oldest members of the family.

Did I mention we got up at 4 am on Black Friday to head to Hilton Head Island and Tanger Outlets? Oh yea baby! We did and it was awesome. Being the bargain shopper that I am, picked up a pair of Eddie Bauer pants for a whopping $6.74!
I did good, I spent less than $100 (that I didn't really have) and got some stuff I really needed.
One of the most fun parts for me was getting my younger cousin to come over w/ all her beads and make stuff with me. She hasn't made jewelry in about 3 years, and I think I helped get her motivated again.

The ride home was long, but when we got home, after a 6 hour drive turned 8 hours; my bed was screaming my name. Plus I had more goodies than I left with. New clothes and new beads waiting in the mailbox!
So all in all, it was a great Thanksgiving weekend and trip all the way around. I really needed the time away, and with my family.

I certainly hope everyone had as wonderful a Holiday weekend as I did.

Here are a couple things I made while I was away:


Til next time,
Be Well and Be Crafty
~~April