tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80258338125639667562024-03-13T05:45:43.516-07:00Elektra Jewelry DesignAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.comBlogger309125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-88250615046907899332014-08-01T17:26:00.001-07:002014-10-28T20:22:51.389-07:00The Beauty of Ancient Roman GlassMy desire to make unique one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces has lead me to search for unusual findings, odd shaped gemstones and rich colorful stones to enhance my designs.<br />
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I recently purchased some very lovely ancient Roman glass with many iridescent hues shimmering on aqua, dark blue and green glass chunky beads. I decided to make a Y shaped necklace with some glass dangles and a spiral charm hanging from a handmade M connector. I hammered the connector to complete the ancient Greek, Roman design I was trying to achieve. Happy with the results, I added a bracelet and earrings to the set. Now, planning ahead I have some beautiful fluorite and amethyst raw gemstones and I am thinking<br />
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about doing a similar necklace in gold. I would love some feedback on this design. Should I do the same Y shape design in gold or try something completely different? </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-25749754782558261552014-07-14T07:53:00.002-07:002014-07-14T07:59:18.305-07:00The Beauty of Raw StonesI discovered these amazing topaz organic raw stones in Tucson last February at the international gem show and couldn't wait to use them in a unique jewelry design. this necklace is the result and I really love the result. I have been looking at raw hammered stones ever since completely this piece and of course had to purchase some additional strands. Be on the lookout here and on my<a href="http://elektrajewelry.com/" target="_blank"> website </a>and my<a href="http://elektrajewelry.etsy.com/" target="_blank"> etsy </a><br />
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site for new pieces in the upcoming weeks. #organicnecklace #rawgemstonesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-19722546416061370502014-04-11T17:20:00.000-07:002014-04-11T17:53:23.476-07:00My New Website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am pleased to announce my new website. I finally "bit the bullet" and decided it was time to get my very <a href="http://www.elektrajewelry.com/" target="_blank">own website</a>. I have been unhappy with all the new changes and restrictions on etsy that I decided it was time to invest in my own website. Even though I did not build this site on my own , I had no idea I would be spending 8 hours a day uploading tweeking and trying to promote this site. It has been quite a learning experience and I realize that this is an ongoing process.<br />
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I have put off this announcement beacuse I keep making changes to the site but I realized that this will be going on indefinately and I couldn't put this off forever. Also, it would be great to get feedback from all of you . Perhaps you have struggled with this yourself and will have some great suggestions.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-50061823759004862522013-09-29T17:37:00.000-07:002013-09-29T17:37:19.334-07:00Saying Goodbye to Breaking Bad<span style="font-size: x-large;">What does Breaking Bad have to do with jewelry? Nothing , unless I design a new line of jewelry for Breaking Bad fans like a lily of the valley necklace, a Heisenberg charm bracelet or perhaps dark purple amethyst hearts for Marie fans.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Those of us who are die hard fans of Bryan Cranston, Arron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Betsy Brandt, and RJ Mitte are bereft that they will no longer be our company on Sunday nights. If I could I would bake them this cake:</span><br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2mSQvZk3C7w/UkjDGCVOMmI/AAAAAAAABko/f65kG0oMsl8/s1600/lily+of+the+valley+cake.JPG"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2mSQvZk3C7w/UkjDGCVOMmI/AAAAAAAABko/f65kG0oMsl8/s320/lily+of+the+valley+cake.JPG" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So my friends,I will be watching this wonderful show with you tonight with great anticipation but also a sad heart. At least we will have the next week to discuss and debate the finale.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-46343122740939031682012-05-09T18:01:00.002-07:002012-05-11T08:25:06.375-07:00Aah Spring!Spring is my favorite time of year. After a long winter of browns
greys and whites , I love seeing color come back to my surrounds. Seeing
the trees and flowers come back to life always renews a feeling of
child like wonder and joy.<br />
Here are some spring quotes:<br />
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O, how this spring of love resembleth<br />
The uncertain glory of an April day;<br />
Which now shows all the beauty of the sun,<br />
And by and by a cloud takes all away."- Shakespeare<br />
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"Spring is nature's way of saying, 'Let's party!'" ~Robin Williams<br />
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"An optimist is the human personification of spring." ~Susan Bissonnette<br />
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"All through the long winter, I dream of my garden. On the first day of
spring, I dig my fingers deep into the soft earth. I can feel its
energy, and my spirits soar." ~Helen Hayes<br />
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I spent most of the day celebrating spring in my own garden planting newly purchased annuals to put wondrous colors on my deck.Whether you garden or not bring some spring into you life and visit this wonderful <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/shopfrolic?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">shop</a>.<br />
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Here are some favorite items to put some spring into your life:<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-54631949795371019352012-03-01T07:51:00.009-08:002012-03-02T07:25:12.665-08:00March Birthstone- Aquamarine<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyw5rUjp2x4/T0-i-RAvq8I/AAAAAAAABhE/Gslp2eb2AUM/s1600/jills%2Bnecklace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-299MujLvby8/T0-hY-PXzqI/AAAAAAAABg4/hO4Me6XNhkE/s1600/jills%2Bnecklace.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6g4OpHLljPI/T0-gUJguc9I/AAAAAAAABgs/-oMSc_7VL1E/s1600/aqua%2Bflower%2Bnecklace%2Bon%2Bcoral.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6g4OpHLljPI/T0-gUJguc9I/AAAAAAAABgs/-oMSc_7VL1E/s400/aqua%2Bflower%2Bnecklace%2Bon%2Bcoral.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714962720167457746" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dc6DEviZbpo/T0-gGZwBQ7I/AAAAAAAABgg/mUDoENrwzOc/s1600/aquamarine%2Bring.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dc6DEviZbpo/T0-gGZwBQ7I/AAAAAAAABgg/mUDoENrwzOc/s400/aquamarine%2Bring.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714962484008403890" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoGeMV6qEoo/T0-fkBn9tDI/AAAAAAAABgU/lV_73p4ZuRY/s1600/aqua%2Bnecklace%2Bon%2Bbust.JPG" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PoGeMV6qEoo/T0-fkBn9tDI/AAAAAAAABgU/lV_73p4ZuRY/s400/aqua%2Bnecklace%2Bon%2Bbust.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714961893416612914" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94007122/aquamarine-necklace-march-birthstone">Aquamarine gemstones</a> have always been a favorite of mine. The cerulean blue color of this stone, so reminiscent of the Mediterranean sea is the attraction. Take a quick look at my profile and you'll understand why. I am an April baby and don't get me wrong , I do admire my birthstone but aquamarines are up high on my list of favorites. In honor of March and this favorite birthstone , I am featuring some items created by myself and a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/94218338/blue-necklace-african-beads-handmade">dear friend</a> which I believe capture the essence of this amazing gemstone.<br />The Romans believed that the aquamarine was sacred to the god N<span style="font-weight:bold;"></span>eptune. Early sailors wore the stone to protect them from the dangers at sea. A gift of aquamarine is said to provide safety and security especially in long term relationships. Giving a gift of aquamarine can help reaffirm a loving relationship.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span><div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; font-weight: normal; "><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nyw5rUjp2x4/T0-i-RAvq8I/AAAAAAAABhE/Gslp2eb2AUM/s400/jills%2Bnecklace.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5714965642758564802" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 360px; " /></span></span></div><div>This piece is one of many beautiful treasures you will find in this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SeventhWillow?ref=ss_profile">shop.</a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-52120858280328400922012-01-09T07:03:00.000-08:002012-01-09T07:43:49.737-08:00Tucson Gem and Mineral Show<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jZnyywTzWH8" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> <br />I have been away from my blog for ages and thought it was time to post a video that all jewelers and jewelry, mineral lovers might appreciate. I will be attending the annual Tucson Gem and Mineral Show for a few days and needless to say, I am really excited. I found this video on a friend's blog that gives a good overview on the show. This will be my second trip to this amazing event and I hope to be better prepared this time. I am in the process of making lists of exactly what I hope to see as this show is overwhelming to say the least. Hopefully being somewhat organized will help me make the most of my limited time there. I would greatly appreciate any tips or comments that can help me try to navigate this show in a timely manner.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-53770627025198576382010-11-09T08:46:00.001-08:002010-11-09T09:14:26.684-08:00Handmade Lampwork Beads to inspire the Jewlery Artisan<div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:small;" ><span style="font-size:180%;"><span id="internal-source-marker_0.5371657415070744" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">I was fortunate enough to find the amazing shop of Lori Bergmann this morning and had to share her beautiful items with my readers. This interview was done by another wonderful artist Brenda of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/brenda45?ref=seller_info">Brenda's Jewelry Box </a>who has some truly unique jewelry pieces.</span><br /><br /></span></span><span id="internal-source-marker_0.5371657415070744" style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" ><br />If you and I met… say at a bead show, "wink-wink," what would you tell me about yourself?</span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >Hi! My name is Lori Bergmann and I’m so glad to meet you! (shaking hands and winking back). I’m a bit of a “Renaissance” artist because I love to dabble with a variety of artistic mediums and techniques—you name it and I’ve probably tried it or am planning on it someday! I’ve been an artist all my life and after college, spent a good chunk of time as a graphic designer and then worked as a full-time freelance scrapbook and paper crafts designer and writer for magazines and company consultant for about 10 years. But I’m currently obsessed with making my own glass beads (lampworking) and incorporating them into my jewelry designs. I moved to Washington about 4 years ago and am enjoying living here with my wonderfully supportive hubby, two slightly hormone-unbalanced teenage daughters (most people say that’s normal, right?), and two hairy dogs that like to shed and drool on anything that breathes. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >(Okay, enough about me—let’s go check out some more booths together!!)</span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58512023/silver-and-gold-sparkle-spheres-5"><img src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_570xN.181785335.jpg" width="320" border="0" height="218" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58512023/silver-and-gold-sparkle-spheres-5">From Lori's `Sparkle Series` ~ Silver & Gold Sparkle Spheres</a></b></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >How did you get started making your beautiful lampwork beads?</span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >About 5 years ago, I was attending an annual trade show for the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA) and saw a company offering “make-and-take” fused glass pendants and also had someone demonstrating how to make glass beads on a small torch. I was immediately smitten, as I’ve always loved watching glass blowers at work and there’s just something about how light shines through glass that is totally mesmerizing to me. I took one of their basic bead making workshops later that year, bought my kiln, and started collecting other supplies and tools. But I was still busy doing other freelance design work and then we moved, so I didn’t set everything up and get serious about it until about 2 years ago. I learned mainly on my own, by playing and experimenting, reading every book on lampworking I could get my hands on, watching You Tube videos, and joining a great online community called Lampworkers Etc. (www.lampworketc.com).</span></span><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >Your muse is calling you, beckoning you to create...where do you get your ideas and your inspiration from?</span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >I get most of my inspiration by things found in nature, because I feel that God is the greatest artist of them all and looking around, seeing all the amazing colors, patterns, and textures in the world never fails to sweep me into a creative mood. But the graphic designer in me also loves clean lines and geometrics, so I often combine the two ideas into my work. I’m always on the look out for inspiration in anything I see—whether it’s a texture from a home decor magazine, a color combo from a Target store ad, a vintage doodad from an antique shop, or native patterns seen during my travels. I like to keep my eyes and ears open, and constantly jot down ideas and sketches in a small notebook to reference later when I’m in the mood to work on them.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53720992/twilight-marquis-lampwork-beads-made-to"><img src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_570xN.165751448.jpg" width="320" border="0" height="259" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/53720992/twilight-marquis-lampwork-beads-made-to">From Lori's `Twilight Series` ~ Twilight Marquis</a></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >What drives your passion to create?</span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >I think I’m one of those people who was born </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >needing</span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" > to do creative things—in one form or another—or I just don’t feel fulfilled inside. I love working with my hands, interpreting my thoughts and feelings into something tangible and unique that no one else in the world has. </span></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Oq2J-jaeIqo/TNh4lJeLYgI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/v1AeWCcnvZU/s1600/roses.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Oq2J-jaeIqo/TNh4lJeLYgI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/v1AeWCcnvZU/s320/roses.JPG" width="320" border="0" height="167" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >Name an artist or designer (past or present) that you would love to meet and why?</span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >I would love to meet Leonardo Da Vinci. Not only because I’m a big Renaissance fan and adore all things Italian, but I think his personality fits mine in that we both love artistic and mechanical/graphic design, as well as enjoy a variety of other intellectual pursuits. I would love to pick his brain, watch him at work, and learn more about the person who left behind such a legacy of amazing art and ideas that were light years ahead of his time.</span></span><br /><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style=";font-family:";font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >What can we look forward to from you and your work in 2011...any big plans or events?</span></span></div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;font-family:Garamond;font-size:12pt;color:black;" ></span><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:small;" ><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;color:black;" >I always seem to have at least a hundred different design ideas swirling around in my head at any given time, so I couldn’t even begin to guess which ones will fight their way out over this coming year? LOL But I definitely plan on working more often with metal clay and combining it with my glass beads. I’ve also been planning to do animal portraits and/or sculpture work for quite a while now, so I think you’ll be seeing some of those soon! I have an article scheduled to come out with Bead Unique magazine and am hoping to do more published work throughout the year. </span></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60859232/ivory-swirl-acorn-lampwork-bead"><img src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_570xN.189651281.jpg" width="320" border="0" height="276" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="color:black;">Lori makes the cutest acorn beads, and I just had to share my newest favorite,</span> <span style="color:black;">`</span><b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/60859232/ivory-swirl-acorn-lampwork-bead">Ivory Swirl Acorn Bead</a></b><span style="color:black;">.` For all you Autumn lovers out there, this is a must have for your Fall designs!</span></span></div><div style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;">This is just a small taste of Lori's gorgeous art glass beads. To see more of her beautiful designs, visit her etsy shop @ <b><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AshlynDesign">Ashlyn Design</a></b>. But don't go yet! Lori has donated an <b style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">exclusive 20% off discount coupon</b> towards any 1 item in her etsy shop for one very lucky reader who will be chosen in a random drawing by me this Thursday, Nov. 11th. Also, you can visit <a href="http://www.loribergmann.blogspot.com/"><b>Lori's blog</b></a> to view my interview as well and enter for your chance to win an exclusive 30% off discount coupon towards 1 item in my etsy shop too. :)</div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">To enter the drawing for Lori's coupon, leave a comment here on my blog. For 2 more opportunities to win; <b style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">(1)</b> help spread the word about my and Lori’s etsy shops and our special coupon drawings on your own blog and/or<b> <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">(2)</span></b> “liking” my and Lori's Facebook pages (<i><b><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashlyn-Design/118942208123438">Lori's page</a></b></i>) and (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/thejewelrybox"><b><i>my page</i></b></a>). Please add a separate comment for each of these things and include a link back to your site, along with your email address so I can contact you if you’re the winner. Good luck! </div><div style="color: black; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><br /></div><span style=";font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:black;" >Thanks to Lori for giving us a sneak preview into her crafty world!<br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-19329536397189034632010-09-29T17:27:00.000-07:002010-09-29T17:37:12.190-07:00A Virtual Craft Fair<div style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em>A Day at the Craft Fair</em></span></span></div> <div style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em>by Donald T. MacKinnon</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; text-align: center;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em><a href="http://www.candleguy821.artfire.com/">candleguy821</a></em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em>Saturday, a day I patiently waited for. Today is the day of the virtual Country Craft Fair featuring talented artisans from places near and far away. Forecasters predicted crisp clean air and pleasant comfortable temperatures for this mostly sunny day. It is perfect weather for looking at the beautiful handmade creations while walking from one artisan's booth to another. You never know I might even find some special gifts for the fast approaching holidays.</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> I think I may be one of the first ones here, but as I looked back, the parking lot was filling up fast. The crafts people worked hard they earned a break in the weather and received it. Admission was $2.00 to cover costs of running the fair, a very reasonable fee in my opinion. This is a very big event, as I looked across the fields ahead at the many booths and artisans eager to show off their works. There had to be an acre of tent-covered tables comfortably spaced across the close cut green field grass. Several large trees served to add shade, and contribute to the wonderful Country Craft fair ambiance.</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> After walking by several craft displays, something caught my eye as I approached the booth of<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elektrajewelry"> Elektra Jewelry Design</a>s, displayed amid an array of unique jewelry the likes of which I had not seen in a long time, was a stunning bracelet. A card under the bracelet display stand had printed on it this description: A </em></span></span><span><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em>very fancy jeweled cuff, handmade with 12-gauge sterling silver wire, and smothered with pearls, rose quartz, silver spacers, and Swarovski crystal. As I gazed at the beautiful work, the Artisan greeted me and offered to model the bracelet for a couple of photographs.</em></span></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: left;" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ99LMJq1UI/AAAAAAAAA1I/oECuSxxV78Y/s1600/Jeweled+Cuff2.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ99LMJq1UI/AAAAAAAAA1I/oECuSxxV78Y/s320/Jeweled+Cuff2.jpg" alt="" width="320" border="0" height="260" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Jeweled Cuff</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ9-MPQ5HnI/AAAAAAAAA1c/3Def662hTCQ/s1600/Jeweled+Cuff.jpg"><br /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Jeweled Cuff</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em>"The work is beautiful," I said as my glazed over eyes stared at the piece. The woman introduced herself and told me the sad story of her camera breaking. She mentioned that I could get the piece later on by contacting her through the Etsy On-line store using the "Contact Artisan" feature.</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> While she was setting the beautiful jeweled cuff on its display stand, a pair of earrings, "oh, these are very pretty, the luster and color is amazing" I said. I snapped a couple photos for later reference. A small card under the display stand, described the earrings as a pair of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/41870724/peach-drop-pearl-earrings">peach drop pearl earrings</a>, hung on gold vermeil caps and ear wires.</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: left;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ99XVhVoSI/AAAAAAAAA1U/8kNklyehgxE/s1600/peach+pearl+earrings.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ99XVhVoSI/AAAAAAAAA1U/8kNklyehgxE/s320/peach+pearl+earrings.jpg" alt="" width="300" border="0" height="220" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Peach Drop Pearl Earrings</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ99heVHXAI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/ZMMbP7U6GIU/s1600/peach+pearl+earrings2.jpg"><br /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Peach Drop Pearl Earrings</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> "Dina I enjoyed your booth, but there is much more to see," I said while carefully storing her business card in my camera bag. <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elektrajewelry">Elektra Jewelry Design</a>s is a store I will visit again while shopping from my computer I thought as I turned toward the next booth on my list.</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:x-large;" ><em> Opps, I have to stop here first, an unbelievable assortment of smells pulled me toward the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoapyBlessings">Soapy Blessings</a> booth. "Look at all these handmade soaps, got to have some," I said to myself. A lovely person walked over and introduced herself, "I am Patricia, you look like you need a little help to locate the source of a particular smell," she said. "Yes, I smell cranberries, which one of these" I said, as she handed me a round piece of soap saying, "try this one, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55645249/cranberry-orange-spice-soap">Cranberry Orange Spice Soap</a>". I read the label under the display plate; the soap has a cranberry fragrance mixed with orange essential oil, a touch of musk, sandalwood, and moss to give a sweet smell with subtle woodsy undertones.</em></span></div> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); float: right; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-DBVddM8I/AAAAAAAAA1k/d_deBtgxlgk/s1600/cranberry+spice+soap2.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-DBVddM8I/AAAAAAAAA1k/d_deBtgxlgk/s320/cranberry+spice+soap2.jpg" alt="" width="290" border="0" height="205" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Cranberry Spice Soap</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); float: left; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: left;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-C-xjO54I/AAAAAAAAA1g/Y_7aMm2P3V0/s1600/cranberry+spice+soap.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-C-xjO54I/AAAAAAAAA1g/Y_7aMm2P3V0/s320/cranberry+spice+soap.jpg" alt="" width="290" border="0" height="205" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Cranberry Spice Soap Closeup</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em>"Yes perfect, please wrap a bar up and one of these also", I said while pointing at the dish with the printed tag <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54099220/irish-cream-soap">Irish Cream Soap</a> under it. Printed neatly on the tag, were these words "handmade soap using the dessert wine Irish Country Cream fragrance that is mixed with a small amount of Creme Brulee for extra richness."</em></span></span></span> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-GaddiY2I/AAAAAAAAA1s/iuTrY_nGYb0/s1600/irish+cream+soap2.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-GaddiY2I/AAAAAAAAA1s/iuTrY_nGYb0/s320/irish+cream+soap2.jpg" alt="" width="320" border="0" height="240" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Irish Country Cream Soap</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> The soap, I could smell the Irish Cream from where I was standing outside the booth. What a great way to start your day, a nice hot shower using one of these elegant soaps from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoapyBlessings">Soapy Blessings</a> to relax and get ready for the world.</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:x-large;" ><em> Thanking Patricia for the fantastic soaps, I walked along the row of artisan displays until I saw a most interesting display of unusual candles at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ValerieEssentials">Valerie's Essentials</a>, along with some free tootsie rolls and mints. Look at this candle, it is a scented candle, but more than that, it is a fish bowl with glass seaweed and a glassfish with real seashells all embedded in this clear wax called Gel. The booth had row upon row with gel candles having different themes. Some had no fish at all, but beautiful seashells imbedded in the gel. There was even one for golfers. The Artisan was busy with another customer so I took the time to look around the candle filled booth.</em></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;font-family:Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif;font-size:16px;"><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:black;" ></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-Le1-WPhI/AAAAAAAAA1w/9JdOB3AIKYU/s1600/Beta+fish+bowl+gel+candle.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-Le1-WPhI/AAAAAAAAA1w/9JdOB3AIKYU/s320/Beta+fish+bowl+gel+candle.jpg" alt="" width="270" border="0" height="290" /></a></div> <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/SYoNVJMjlPI/AAAAAAAAARU/Dg0qI8LyFkw/s1600/gel+golfer1A.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/SYoNVJMjlPI/AAAAAAAAARU/Dg0qI8LyFkw/s320/gel+golfer1A.jpg" alt="" width="320" border="0" height="290" /></a><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:9pt;color:black;" > </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" face="Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif" size="16px" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span> <span style="font-size:19px;"> </span> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> When it comes to desserts, I have no resistance. One of my favorite sweet treats is strawberry shortcake. Without a doubt, I am a strawberry shortcake eating fool. Poised dangerously close to me was a dish of strawberry shortcake. As I slinked closer the strawberry scent tantalized my olfactory senses. OH NO! The strawberry shortcake was a candle made from paraffin and gel waxes.</em></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-O-LAt-fI/AAAAAAAAA10/tA_Kp1glY-A/s1600/strawberry+gel+and+paraffin+candle.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-O-LAt-fI/AAAAAAAAA10/tA_Kp1glY-A/s320/strawberry+gel+and+paraffin+candle.jpg" alt="" width="320" border="0" height="252" /></a></div> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" face="Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif" size="16px" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> The candle maker finished up with the other customer just in time to see the disappointed look on my face. She smiled and introduced herself as Valerie. "I must have have one of those candles," I said while pointing at the candle. We talked a little about the candle as she wrapped it up for me. She mentioned another candle maker's booth I should visit while at the fair, <a href="http://www.candleguy821.artfire.com/">Candles by Donald</a>. I said I would try, as I waved goodbye, and continued up this little grassy rise toward another booth on my list to visit.</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" face="Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif" size="16px" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> "Ah, here it is, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lindabutterfly">LindaButterfly Cards and Art</a>," I thought, then</em></span></span><span><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> </em></span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em>“Look at all these cards”, I said quietly to myself. “Sir, what did you say”, said a voice with a British accent from behind the display. “There are so many cards” I said. “Yes, I try to provide a good selection, something for every occasion”, she replied, as she appeared in front of me, this woman with a big warm smile. “Hello, I am Linda”, she greeted me. “Is there something special you need or would you like to just look around?” “Just one question; all of the cards I have looked at are beautiful on the outside, but with no writing on the inside, why?” “Good question, the card cover has different meanings. This way each person who buys a card can write something appropriate to the occasion at hand. Possibly to convey a meaningful personal message or recount some past experience”. She paused a moment, “The individual can make a card so much more than just a card. Look around, enjoy looking at the cards, ask and I will help you.” </em></span></span></span><span><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> I had already made my selection, "Linda, I want to look over in the<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LindaCaterpillar">LindaCaterpillar</a> section of your booth, will you wrap these two cards up for me". I paused a moment then said,"Yes, one <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52422482/winter-fir-trees-greetings-card">Winter Fir Trees</a>greeting card, and one <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/31731542/frosty-ground-greetings-card">Frosty Ground</a> greeting card".</em></span></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" face="Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif" size="16px" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-PKjSQuXI/AAAAAAAAA14/xlzML5YIvNU/s1600/frosty+leaves.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-PKjSQuXI/AAAAAAAAA14/xlzML5YIvNU/s200/frosty+leaves.jpg" alt="" width="295" border="0" height="200" /></a></div> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-PZUqNNNI/AAAAAAAAA18/g3nXtdRBTo0/s1600/frosty+pines.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-PZUqNNNI/AAAAAAAAA18/g3nXtdRBTo0/s200/frosty+pines.jpg" alt="" width="310" border="0" height="200" /></a><span><strong><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8);font-family:Georgia;" > </span></strong></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" face="Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif" size="16px" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> Linda's booth was divided into two sections, I was in the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LindaCaterpillar">LindaCaterpillar</a> section now. This section is devoted to artworks done in acrylic, watercolor, pastels, and much more. I looked at the acrylics first; while looking, a painting named <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39327226/dancing-tree-acrylic">Dancing Tree</a> captured my attention in a special way. From the acrylics I shifted my gaze to the pastels where a work titled Trees by the Lake moved me, but "I like all of Linda's Art", I thought. I asked first, then took these pictures to share with you. "Linda, I have to leave your wonderful booth, it is clear to me I need much more time." We said our goodbyes and she gave me her business card with her on-line store addresses on the front, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LindaCaterpillar">LindaCaterpillar</a> and<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lindabutterfly">LindaButterfly Cards and Art</a>.</em></span></span></span></div> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); float: left; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: left;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ9vy_9x7TI/AAAAAAAAA04/vRLMkY1mYek/s160033333333/by+the+lake+pastel.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ9vy_9x7TI/AAAAAAAAA04/vRLMkY1mYek/s320/by+the+lake+pastel.jpg" alt="" width="300" border="0" height="230" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">By the Lake, pastel</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); float: right; font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ9v2h10zfI/AAAAAAAAA08/AMo0gcpPEgg/s1600/dancing+tree+acrylic.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ9v2h10zfI/AAAAAAAAA08/AMo0gcpPEgg/s320/dancing+tree+acrylic.jpg" alt="" width="300" border="0" height="230" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">Dancing Tree, acrylic</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div class="MsoNormal" face="Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif" size="16px" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ9v2h10zfI/AAAAAAAAA08/AMo0gcpPEgg/s1600/dancing+tree+acrylic.jpg">s</a><span><strong><span style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8);font-family:Georgia;" > </span></strong></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:x-large;" ><span style="font-family:'Times New Roman';"><span style="font-size:medium;"> </span></span><em>The next booth on my list was just ahead. Oh, this looks like fun, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hamnahamid">Custom Clothing and Costumes for You</a>, the banner over the booth read. Look at all the costumes, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/34603438/complete-luke-skywalker-costume-from">Luke Skywalker</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55366836/disney-princess-snow-white-top">Snow White</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57356046/toy-story-sherrif-woody-or-jessie-the">Sheriff Woody</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55564148/handmade-toy-story-jessie-the-cowgirl">Jessie the cowgirl</a>, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/57278234/classic-oompa-loompa-full-costume">Oompa Loompa</a>, and so many more. All the props needed to take a kid well into a "make pretend world", AND all the props needed to take an adult well into a "make pretend world"; why should kids have all the fun. More than just costumes, this is handmade quality clothing. I asked the woman who designs and makes all of this beautiful clothing if I could take some photos to share. Here are a few teasers:</em></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-R-OTruSI/AAAAAAAAA2E/BaZogbyDaQY/s1600/toy+story+costume3.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-R-OTruSI/AAAAAAAAA2E/BaZogbyDaQY/s200/toy+story+costume3.jpg" alt="" width="150" border="0" height="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-Rz7iIBbI/AAAAAAAAA2A/YzRQ_zycEQc/s1600/luke+skywalker.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-Rz7iIBbI/AAAAAAAAA2A/YzRQ_zycEQc/s200/luke+skywalker.jpg" alt="" width="150" border="0" height="200" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-STNH_j6I/AAAAAAAAA2I/4Wx5rfB7A6w/s1600/monster2+costume.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TJ-STNH_j6I/AAAAAAAAA2I/4Wx5rfB7A6w/s200/monster2+costume.jpg" alt="" width="133" border="0" height="200" /></a></div> <span style="font-size:x-large;"><span style="font-size:19px;"><span style="font-size:small;"><span style="font-size:13px;"> </span></span></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hamnahamid">Custom Clothing and Costumes for You</a> has an on-line store with listings of all the costumes. Please remember that Custom is NO problem for this Artisan.</em></span></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style=";font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:x-large;" ><em> I left the costume booth with a smile and crossed over the grassy field to another row of booths. The colors here abound as each tent roof perimeter is lined with triangular flags, and the booth front displaying a large banner with the store name, and logo. The tables covered with colored cloths and lined with ribbons, all designed to attract the attention of a potential buyer. The day continued to be pleasant with good lighting for numerous photo opportunities.</em></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> I think I will visit my friend Shelly, her booth<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Shelly6262">Handmade Creations by Shelly</a> is just a head. </em></span></span><span style=";font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:x-large;" ><em>Shelly was very happy to see me, and put together an incredible display of handmade items. We started at a corner table where she talked about each item in this grouping of different crocheted designs, and all the time knitting a scarf. Shelly loves to knit and there is hardly a time when she is not knitting something. While looking at all the items she had knitted and crocheted, I noticed a beautiful book or album cover. </em></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKA_044w9uI/AAAAAAAAA2o/4TMlnbBiokI/s1600/shelly+Hand+Knitted+Felted+Tote+Bags.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKA_044w9uI/AAAAAAAAA2o/4TMlnbBiokI/s200/shelly+Hand+Knitted+Felted+Tote+Bags.jpg" alt="" width="180" border="0" height="240" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKAxxcni7wI/AAAAAAAAA2U/D3pYwbG7y70/s1600/shelly+book+cover.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKAxxcni7wI/AAAAAAAAA2U/D3pYwbG7y70/s200/shelly+book+cover.jpg" alt="" width="310" border="0" height="240" /></a> </div> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> This is a very nice way to display the photo album on the coffee table. Next to the crochet <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37299684/hand-crochet-book-or-bible-cover">album/book cover</a> was a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/16692633/hand-knitted-felted-tote-bags">hand knitted felted tote bag</a>. There were small pouches and bags that would work well with anything that fit into them. The selection seemed endless as we walked around the booth, I saw scarf's, hats, gloves, ponchos, caplets, purses, felted bags and designer collections.</em></span></span> <span style="font-size:14pt;"> </span> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_393401634"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKA-Zb99JNI/AAAAAAAAA2k/t8jwLA6SQvE/s200/shelly+hand+knitted+woman%27s+shawls.jpg" alt="" width="150" border="0" height="200" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/18576859/hand-knitted-womens-shawls">Hand Knitted Woman Shawl</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_393401640"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKA1ZYmMuPI/AAAAAAAAA2g/ETfg0gdexJs/s200/shelly+pom+pom+berets.jpg" alt="" width="265" border="0" height="200" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/37402871/hand-crochet-pom-pom-scarf">Hand Crochet Pom Pom Scarf</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style=";font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:x-large;" ><em> I took a few photos and said my goodbyes. The day was going fast, with the sun already getting low on the horizon.</em></span> <span style=";font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:x-large;" ><em> I wanted to visit Susan's booth just ahead on the left, ah there it is near that big tree. Her banner with shop name in big colorful letters,<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/susanneedlehands">Susanneedlehands</a> is displayed in the front of her booth. Susan loves to sew, knit, and do crafts. The tables, piled high with <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/29223886/handmade-storage-bowls-green-brown">felted bowls</a>, felted plates,<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36641980/handmade-knit-scarf-here-comes-the-sun">scarves</a>, knit bags, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/29472717/waterboy-water-bottle-carrier">water bottle carriers</a>, and even a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39316242/handmade-knit-teddy-bear-rupert-the">teddy bear</a> looked beautiful.</em></span> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_653920923"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIX7nVY2TI/AAAAAAAAA2w/l4_WsabLL0I/s200/needle+crochet+felted+bowls+brn+grn.jpg" alt="" width="240" border="0" height="240" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/29223886/handmade-storage-bowls-green-brown">Crochet Storage Bowls</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_653920938"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKITu-KEl7I/AAAAAAAAA2s/CXyW0F1Bh6o/s200/teddy+bear.jpg" alt="" width="240" border="0" height="240" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39316242/handmade-knit-teddy-bear-rupert-the">Handmade Knit Teddy Bear</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_653920952"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIdDi_F2NI/AAAAAAAAA24/gr99yYcI-SM/s200/water+bottle+carrier.jpg" alt="" width="240" border="0" height="240" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/29472717/waterboy-water-bottle-carrier">Water Bottle Carrier</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;" align="center" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_653920966"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIbX355e7I/AAAAAAAAA20/TFWdTswuWOA/s200/here+comes+the+sun+scarf.jpg" alt="" width="240" border="0" height="240" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36641980/handmade-knit-scarf-here-comes-the-sun">Handmade Knit Scarf</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style=";font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;font-size:x-large;" ><em> Her shop is non-profit with all the money going to various charities that can always use some cash. I could not stay long, time was not on my side I said goodbye to Susan and headed to a booth close to the exit.</em></span> <div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em></em></span></span></div> </div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="color: rgb(8, 8, 8); font-family: Arial,Tahoma,Helvetica,FreeSans,sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> This would be my last stop, I was hungry and tired, but so happy to have spent some time looking at crafts, taking pictures, and just being outside on this beautiful day. It was time to meet Kelsi and Ryan, the booth <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kelsilove">Kelsilove</a>, like the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kelsilove">store</a> is a collection of everything. Many of the items are made from recycled materials, something I love to see. Kelsi greeted me while modeling her <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52574833/soft-olive-green-knitted-scarf">Soft Olive Green Knitted Scarf</a>. The scarf looked beautifully warm, and very soft. Oh, thats Ryan in the other photo, Kelsi's neck is not that hairy.</em></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIn3iysMyI/AAAAAAAAA3E/vEJRtkLHZmw/s1600/kelsi+super+soft+olive+scarf.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIn3iysMyI/AAAAAAAAA3E/vEJRtkLHZmw/s200/kelsi+super+soft+olive+scarf.jpg" alt="" width="190" border="0" height="250" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIjhOXglFI/AAAAAAAAA28/RxBgrWSjRDc/s1600/soft+olive+green+knitted+scarf.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIjhOXglFI/AAAAAAAAA28/RxBgrWSjRDc/s200/soft+olive+green+knitted+scarf.jpg" alt="" width="190" border="0" height="250" /></a> </div> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> </em></span></span> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em>Kelsi and Ryan were eager to show me a wonderful collection of environmentally friendly jewelry,<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/27793076/hammered-brooch-apple-cider-cap">brooches</a>, scarves, photography, art, and more. Here are some Photos one of a unique <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/27793076/hammered-brooch-apple-cider-cap">brooch</a>, and another of a pair of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/49638191/big-green-bulb-earrings">Big Green Bulb Earrings</a>. </em></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIuFiwklHI/AAAAAAAAA3M/RBF0DzmZ8Is/s1600/green+bulb+earrings.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIuFiwklHI/AAAAAAAAA3M/RBF0DzmZ8Is/s200/green+bulb+earrings.jpg" alt="" width="240" border="0" height="190" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIt4fZEQ_I/AAAAAAAAA3I/OBkFoi3ZQZQ/s1600/kelsi+hand+hammered+brooch+apple+cider+cap.jpg"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIt4fZEQ_I/AAAAAAAAA3I/OBkFoi3ZQZQ/s200/kelsi+hand+hammered+brooch+apple+cider+cap.jpg" alt="" width="240" border="0" height="190" /></a> </div> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> </em></span></span> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> Ryan had some of his art on display. He told me of his new on-line store called <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/onthefloorstudio">On The Floor Studio</a> where he sells digital prints of his not so digital paintings. These are great, certainly a "must see" place to go. Here are two of his many wonderful prints.</em></span></span> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: center;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_653921027"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIztlCjAJI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/AolLlC29-bU/s200/wave+of+paranoia.jpg" alt="" width="200" border="0" height="250" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51245292/wave-of-paranoia-8x10-digital-print">Wave of Paranoia</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <table class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; padding: 4px; position: relative; text-align: right;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://draft.blogger.com/goog_653921033"><img style="border-style: none; position: relative;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TKIz-jQLBfI/AAAAAAAAA3U/m90rAWOdwbs/s200/ryan+look+what+we+found.jpg" alt="" width="200" border="0" height="250" /></a></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/51248444/look-what-we-found-8x10-digital-print">Look What We Found</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em></em></span></span> <span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em></em></span></span> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> I said my goodbyes to Kelsi and Ryan, and walked down the slight hill toward the parking lot. All the while I contemplated this fantastic day I had at this virtual country craft fair. In closing, please visit all of these artisans at their on-line stores. There you are sure to find unique, quality, handmade works of art, each and every one.</em></span></span></div> <div><span style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span style="font-size:x-large;"><em> </em></span></span></div> </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-61239965603061482472010-09-22T09:22:00.000-07:002010-09-22T09:32:44.572-07:00Collaborators In Cahoots<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i> Great name for a great team of Etsy and Art Fire sellers who work together to help each other build more internet exposure.<br /><br />Here is just a small sample of the </i></span></b><a href="http://collaborators2.etsy.com/"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:blue;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">CIC'</span><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">s</span></span></i></span></b></a><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i> Creative side</i></span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i><br /></i></span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://collaborators2.etsy.com/"><img style="width: 354px; height: 395px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_cDYQIwhZ98s/TJi4L07lzhI/AAAAAAAAAuk/3yd1k595zeI/s320/cic+mini+9-10.jpg" border="0" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size:x-large;"><i>What you are enjoy here:</i></span></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><u><br /></u></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://valerieessentials.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>ValerieEssentials-</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/22044653/all-natural-yellow-soy-wax-candle-10-oz"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>All Natural Yellow Soy Wax Candle in a 10oz Bubble Top Jar</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://shelly6262.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>Shelly6262-</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/19291677/hand-knit-womens-poncho"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Hand Knit Women's Poncho</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://lindacaterpillar.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>LindaCaterpillar-</i> </b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/39327226/dancing-tree-acrylic"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Dancing Tree- Acrylic</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://hamnahamid.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>HamnaHamid-</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55366836/disney-princess-snow-white-top"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Disney Princess Snow White Top </b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://rachaelsgarden.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>RachaelsGarden-</i> </b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/41071240/new-background-color-print-of-original"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>New Background Color Print of Original Yellow Dumptruck </b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://susanneedlehands.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>SusanNeedleHands-</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/36642908/handmade-knit-scarf-fluffy-pumpkin"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Handmade Knit Scarf - Fluffy Pumpkin</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://lindabutterfly.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>LindaButterfly-</i> </b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/22662576/tree-with-orange-hill-greetings-card"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Tree with Orange Hill - Greeting Card </b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://soapyblessings.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>SoapyBlessings-</i></b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54099220/irish-cream-soap"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Irish Cream Soap</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://kelsilove.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>Kelsilove-</i> </b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/52576239/thick-knitted-chartreuse-cowl"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Thick Knitted Chartreuse Cowl</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://elektrajewelry.etsy.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>ElektraJewelry-</i> </b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/40487167/sponge-coral-and-sterling-silver"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Sponge Coral and Sterling Silver with Silver Dangles</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><a href="http://candleguy821.artfire.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b><i>CandleGuy821-</i> </b></span></a><span class="Apple-style-span"><b> </b></span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1442949"><span class="Apple-style-span"><b>Lemongrass Essentials Oil Scent Aromatherapy Palm Wax Candle</b></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-85920598998411352032010-09-21T17:21:00.000-07:002010-09-21T17:35:05.598-07:00Welcome Home Candle<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TJlNsI2ijuI/AAAAAAAABfs/Zpseb9wgBDU/s1600/candle+guy+welcome+candle.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TJlNsI2ijuI/AAAAAAAABfs/Zpseb9wgBDU/s400/candle+guy+welcome+candle.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5519528239005077218" border="0" /></a><br />Welcome Home scented natural palm wax pillar candle<br />Written By<a href="http://www.artfire.com/users/candleguy821"> CandleGuy821</a><br />Welcome Home, at first I thought, "what an odd name for a candle fragrance".<br /><br />The fragrance description changed my mind; toasted graham crackers,<br />vanilla frosting, creamy caramel, and juicy raisins. While growing up,<br />these are some of the things I remember about coming home, my favorite<br />treats.<br />I was probably no different than any other kid. On a cool day after<br />school, I would come home to some graham crackers and a glass of milk.<br />Then there were the special times when my mother baked a cake and<br />frosted it with vanilla butter cream frosting. On those days when I<br />opened the door the smell of baking would say "<a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1852686">Welcome Home</a>". It might be a vanilla, chocolate or spice cake with juicy raisins, but always the frosting was vanilla butter cream.<br />The natural palm wax pillar candle scented with this wonderful fragrance that smells like graham crackers, vanilla frosting, creamy caramel, and juicy raisins, says "Welcome Home" with or without the glass of milk.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-6130369297926411342010-09-16T16:38:00.000-07:002010-09-16T16:45:47.567-07:00Autumn- A Favorite Season<h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"> <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c928f3893758eeffdf1ee25"> 'Autumn Delights' </a> by <a style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); text-decoration: none;" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elektrajewelry"> elektrajewelry </a> </h2> <h2 style="font-size: 16px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"> A collection of wonderful and whimsical items for the fall season.<br> </h2> <table style="border-spacing: 8px; width: auto; border-collapse: separate; line-height: 19px;"> <tbody><tr> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/32680339" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.96323124.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/32680339" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Green, Light Brown, and Brow... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Kelsilove" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Kelsilove </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $5.00 </div> </td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54335199" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.167815761.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54335199" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Trick or Treat Halloween Pla... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/RachaelsGarden" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> RachaelsGarden </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $23 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33115688" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.97790952.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/33115688" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Beautiful Autumn - Greetings... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lindabutterfly" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> lindabutterfly </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $4.5 </div> </td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/18930646" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.123175224.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/18930646" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Autumn Colors - ACEO </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LindaCaterpillar" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> LindaCaterpill... </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $6 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/19291677" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.159327185.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/19291677" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Hand Knit Women's Ponch... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Shelly6262" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> Shelly6262 </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $58.95 </div> </td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54902381" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.169713465.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54902381" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> custom mickey minnie hallowe... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hamnahamid" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> hamnahamid </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $2.99 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48589571" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.148591500.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48589571" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Lemon Mint Sage Soap </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SoapyBlessings" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> SoapyBlessings </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $4.5 </div> </td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/32140362" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.162478743.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/32140362" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Red Hot Scented Trio Candy C... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ValerieEssentials" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ValerieEssenti... </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $12 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/22004990" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.60525310.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/22004990" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Honey Drops Citrine Rhodolit... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/elektrajewelry" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> elektrajewelry </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $165.00 </div> </td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54715307" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.169088505.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/54715307" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Doctor Bag - CrackerJack </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/victoriahorner" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> victoriahorner </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $175 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/35469946" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.105748003.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/35469946" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Handmade Knit Scarf - Year o... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/susanneedlehands" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> susanneedlehan... </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $40 </div> </td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56472604" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.174960955.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56472604" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Transition II </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/adriarose" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> adriarose </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $150 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56533453" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image3.etsy.com/il_170x135.175163089.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56533453" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Silk Fairy Pumpkin Set Of 2-... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/woolentales" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> woolentales </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $14 </div> </td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55710433" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image0.etsy.com/il_170x135.172410307.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55710433" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> SALE - Rose Cut Dark Yellow ... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kyleannemetals" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> kyleannemetals </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $595 </div> </td> </tr> <tr><td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56531877" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image1.etsy.com/il_170x135.175158066.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56531877" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Ornate gold Venetian mask wi... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ladyinthetower" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> ladyinthetower </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $110 </div> </td> <td style="border: 1px solid rgb(236, 236, 236); padding: 6px; text-align: left;" width="170px" height="170px"> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56532137" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <img style="border: medium none; padding: 0px;" src="http://ny-image2.etsy.com/il_170x135.175159138.jpg" width="170px"> <br> </a> <a style="text-decoration: none;" href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/56532137" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> <span style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif;"> Halloween Gourd Jack-O-Lante... </span> </a> <br> <div style="font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> <a style="text-decoration: none; color: rgb(178, 178, 178);" href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/pinchmeboutique" onmouseover="this.style.textDecoration='underline'" onmouseout="this.style.textDecoration='none'"> pinchmeboutiqu... </a> </div> <div style="color: rgb(120, 192, 66); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; float: right; margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;"> $20 </div> </td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p style="color: rgb(178, 178, 178); font-size: 10px; font-family: sans-serif; margin-left: 10px;"> Generated using <a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com/tools/treasury.php">Treasury HTML code generator</a> by <a href="http://www.whalesharkwebsites.com">Whale Shark Websites</a>. </p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-14926464263964136542010-09-09T06:30:00.000-07:002010-09-09T06:36:39.648-07:00<h3 class="post-title entry-title"> <a href="http://linda-considerations.blogspot.com/2010/09/congrats-hamna.html">Congrats Hamna!</a> </h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> Each month, Kelsi, who makes<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelsilove"> Environmentally Friendly Jewelry </a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/kelsilove"><i>& More,</i></a><br />runs our monthly team challenge.<br /><br />Hamna and her beautiful costumes won the August Monthly Challenge!!<br /><br />HOORAY!!!!<br /><br />Hamna makes <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hamnahamid">clothing and costumes</a> for adults and children<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi05fOMMkI/AAAAAAAACDo/MJ9n8qSM7RE/s1600/costume+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi05fOMMkI/AAAAAAAACDo/MJ9n8qSM7RE/s400/costume+5.jpg" width="194" border="0" height="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi0fs3mKaI/AAAAAAAACDI/3UmWAeItF4o/s1600/costome+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi0fs3mKaI/AAAAAAAACDI/3UmWAeItF4o/s400/costome+2.jpg" width="141" border="0" height="400" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi019nx5bI/AAAAAAAACDY/tKN69Nj1ejY/s1600/costume+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi019nx5bI/AAAAAAAACDY/tKN69Nj1ejY/s320/costume+3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi03QxRZGI/AAAAAAAACDg/kFECGkGVr1s/s1600/costume+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi03QxRZGI/AAAAAAAACDg/kFECGkGVr1s/s320/costume+4.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi00SIrGtI/AAAAAAAACDQ/EYmhr3gQ4CI/s1600/Costume.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TIi00SIrGtI/AAAAAAAACDQ/EYmhr3gQ4CI/s400/Costume.jpg" width="186" border="0" height="400" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-2540688558903169262010-09-08T08:48:00.000-07:002010-09-08T09:05:37.896-07:00What to Do for the Flu<h2 style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" class="date-header"><span style="font-style: italic;"> This article was written by a good friend and colleague, Donald McKinnon.</span></h2><h2 style="color: rgb(0, 102, 0);" class="date-header"><span style="font-style: italic;">Eucalyptus scented handmade natural palm wax pillar candle</span></h2> <div class="date-posts"><div class="post-outer"><div class="post hentry"><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1826221"></a><h3 class="post-title entry-title"> </h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> <div class="post-body entry-content"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TITw_63nUmI/AAAAAAAAAzg/iocyZcPNxyA/s1600/eucalyptus+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TITw_63nUmI/AAAAAAAAAzg/iocyZcPNxyA/s200/eucalyptus+004.JPG" width="280" border="0" height="280" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TITxVD56slI/AAAAAAAAAzk/yAxe1wJvjgE/s1600/eucalyptus+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline ! important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_HC2kX7NRdQI/TITxVD56slI/AAAAAAAAAzk/yAxe1wJvjgE/s200/eucalyptus+031.JPG" width="280" border="0" height="280" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;" ><em>A handmade natural palm wax pillar candle can be the perfect gift during the cold and flu season. This is especially true for a natural palm wax pillar candle scented with the fragrance</em></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:red;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"> </span><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1826221">Eucalyptus</a></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><i>. The aromatic natural palm wax pillar candle is 3 inches in diameter, 4 1/2 inches tall and weighs approximately one pound. In this candle, I combined premium Eucalyptus candle fragrance oil with a pure natural Eucalyptus essential oil and added the 50/50 blend to the natural palm wax at a level equal to 6% of the total wax weight. This is the maximum recommended by the manufacturer. During cold and flu season, this candle can make breathing much more comfortable for some people. You see, the koala bear is not the only mammal that craves this aromatic leaf and its oil. People love this scent also, for opening up sinuses and clearing a stuffy head during the cold and flu season. The hot and cold scent throw is very good. After lighting the candle, the fragrance will find it way into every corner of a small room. The rich lime green color of this candle combines with the silvery lime green surface crystal formations common to this very special premium natural palm wax pillar blend. Palm wax is excellent for making pillars. The candles will burn with no soot or smoke, and longer than similar size paraffin candles. I love the unique surface features characteristic for this type of wax. Each candle is one of a kind with its fine detailed surface crystal patterns. When burning a palm wax pillar keep the wick centered within the candle diameter and burn no more than 2 – 2 1/2 hours at a time for a 3 inch diameter candle. Allow the candle to cool then trim the wick to approximately 3/16 to 1/4 inches if needed. Since the wicks I use are engineered to self trim I recommend trimming only when absolutely necessary. A wall will remain as the candle burns down allowing the light from the flame to produce an interesting effect as it shines through the crystal laden walls and candle body. Eventually as the candle burns down the walls will slowly erode leaving little waste. Any unburned wax can be used in a wax heater and the wonderful aromas will continue for those of you wanting to get 100% use from your natural palm wax pillar candle purchase. I use this candle in my indoor studio (back room) where I package, and wrap candles. The </i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1826221"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:red;">candle</span></i></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><i> works great for me when I get a "stuffy" nose. It gently opens up my sinus's. I think the candle is sweeter and not as harsh smelling with this 50/50 blend. Stop by </i></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style=""><a href="http://www.candleguy821.artfire.com/"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:red;">my store</span></i></span></a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238);"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia,'Times New Roman',serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:black;"><i> and look at this candle and my other candles. There is a great deal to see.</i></span></span></span></span></div></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-42420830167129158982010-09-06T11:47:00.000-07:002010-09-07T17:58:35.089-07:00Glorious Harvest Days<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIZK9STrIcI/AAAAAAAABfM/VMhGev7_7KM/s1600/morning-glories.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 373px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIZK9STrIcI/AAAAAAAABfM/VMhGev7_7KM/s400/morning-glories.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514177210508583362" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIZKrFvffOI/AAAAAAAABfE/_-LCq4n4HOY/s1600/tomatoes.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 378px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIZKrFvffOI/AAAAAAAABfE/_-LCq4n4HOY/s400/tomatoes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5514176897897954530" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU7OGIH5XI/AAAAAAAABe8/J--qgrhiiFA/s1600/morning-glory-elephant.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 362px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU7OGIH5XI/AAAAAAAABe8/J--qgrhiiFA/s400/morning-glory-elephant.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513878432133932402" border="0" /></a><br />Our morning glories look like an elephant with his head and trunk raised up along the fence.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU66q9yqjI/AAAAAAAABe0/GGnGclMdVUY/s1600/dina-with-zinnias.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU66q9yqjI/AAAAAAAABe0/GGnGclMdVUY/s400/dina-with-zinnias.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513878098425326130" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU6nkDEydI/AAAAAAAABes/hUvhWLnoccQ/s1600/dina-and-prize-winning-pump.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 317px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU6nkDEydI/AAAAAAAABes/hUvhWLnoccQ/s400/dina-and-prize-winning-pump.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513877770150922706" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU6SX6FliI/AAAAAAAABek/0ZK_8uxoStY/s1600/belin-pumpkins.gif"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU4-0Cn3CI/AAAAAAAABec/BcpSEaeeLRI/s1600/belin-pumpkins.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 383px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU4-0Cn3CI/AAAAAAAABec/BcpSEaeeLRI/s400/belin-pumpkins.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513875970557729826" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU4n34Eo7I/AAAAAAAABeU/tZmHkMag73Y/s1600/dina-with-tomatoes.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TIU4n34Eo7I/AAAAAAAABeU/tZmHkMag73Y/s400/dina-with-tomatoes.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5513875576450229170" border="0" /></a><br />Harvest time is every gardener's delight. This year we had one of our finest gardens, despite the invasion of the hideous<a href="http://elektrajewelry.blogspot.com/2008/08/gardeners-beware.html"> horned tomato worm</a> and very little rain. The photos above show just how much I enjoy this garden.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-51807472933949057422010-09-06T06:56:00.000-07:002010-09-06T07:28:43.012-07:00First Signs of Autumn<h3 class="post-title entry-title">Here is a collection of wonderful pastels and a beautiful greeting card by my friend and collaborator <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/lindacaterpillar">Lindacaterpillar</a>. She has two shops on etsy which feature her amazing art work.<br /></h3> <div class="post-header"> </div> <div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0d25yYxII/AAAAAAAAB_A/wL2ePRhYRWE/s400/autumn.jpg" width="400" border="0" height="338" /></div><br /><br />The weather today was beautiful, tinged with that last-day-of-summer-first-day-of-Autumn feeling.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0d25yYxII/AAAAAAAAB_A/wL2ePRhYRWE/s1600/autumn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div><br />The trees haven't turned yet but they soon will.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0eGDWiS9I/AAAAAAAAB_I/6UKpsi6_ui8/s1600/autumn+%281%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0eGDWiS9I/AAAAAAAAB_I/6UKpsi6_ui8/s400/autumn+%281%29.jpg" width="400" border="0" height="292" /></a></div>The leaves haven't fallen yet but they soon will.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0eKK8pRII/AAAAAAAAB_Y/3iT8mYmvJKY/s1600/Red+Hot+leaves+greetings+card.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0eKK8pRII/AAAAAAAAB_Y/3iT8mYmvJKY/s400/Red+Hot+leaves+greetings+card.jpg" width="295" border="0" height="400" /></a></div>The glorious colors of Autumn aren't here yet, but they will be, soon. Find this beautiful card in this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/19587361/red-hot-leaves-greetings-card">shop</a>.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0eI8xlSSI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/AuyX73CN4Oc/s1600/autumn+%282%29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0eI8xlSSI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/AuyX73CN4Oc/s320/autumn+%282%29.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>This year's pine cones haven't fallen, but they will do, soon.<br /><br />Have you seen my Linda's two Etsy shops? In one she sells <a href="http://www.lindacaterpillar.etsy.com/">art;</a> pastels, watercolors, acrylics and photographs.<br />In the other she sells <a href="http://www.lindabutterfly.etsy.com/">cards</a> made using that art. Come and visit her, revel in color, beauty and unique work that she has there waiting for you!<br /><br />Today her beautiful pastel of a yellow Autumnal leaf was chosen to be in <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c7842c571896d91dce64df5/fall-into-yellowleaves?index=1">this Etsy Treasury</a>:<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0pJd6gzxI/AAAAAAAAB_g/9TZJEFxJAm4/s1600/2010+August+-+Treasury+-+YellowLeaves.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH0pJd6gzxI/AAAAAAAAB_g/9TZJEFxJAm4/s400/2010+August+-+Treasury+-+YellowLeaves.jpg" width="378" border="0" height="400" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-85576451110614739412010-09-02T07:45:00.000-07:002010-09-02T08:09:25.172-07:00My Secret Pal<div class="descriptionwrapper"> <p class="description"><span> </span></p> </div> <div id="crosscol-wrapper" style="text-align: center;"> </div> <div id="uds-searchControl"><a name="uds-search-results"></a><div id="uds-searchResults"><div class="gsc-control"><div class="gsc-resultsbox-invisible"><div class="gsc-resultsRoot gsc-tabData gsc-tabdInactive">Well, the secret is out! My amazing team member Trish of Soapy Blessings planned this great activity to boost our team spirit. Trish chose names from a "virtual hat" and we all sent surprise gift packages to each other. Here is the adorable gift that I received:<br /></div><div class="gsc-resultsRoot gsc-tabData gsc-tabdInactive"><table style="width: 4px; height: 1px;" class="gsc-resultsHeader" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tbody><tr><td class="gsc-twiddleRegionCell"><div class="gsc-results-selector gsc-more-results-active"><div title="show one result" class="gsc-result-selector gsc-one-result"> </div><div title="show more results" class="gsc-result-selector gsc-more-results"> </div><div title="show all results" class="gsc-result-selector gsc-all-results"> </div></div><br /></td><td class="gsc-configLabelCell"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div></div></div><div style="display: none;" class="gsc-clear-button" id="uds-searchClearResults"> </div></div> <div class="post-body entry-content"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH4CX8bMSyI/AAAAAAAAB_w/GoooU4bikCo/s1600/crochet+flower+from+susanneedlehands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_gK3IKtLAFzs/TH4CX8bMSyI/AAAAAAAAB_w/GoooU4bikCo/s320/crochet+flower+from+susanneedlehands.jpg" border="0" /></a></div>I plan to put the cute <a href="http://www.susanneedlehands.etsy.com/">crocheted flower </a>on my favorite winter hat and the jeweled pad and funky pen are now a permanent fixture in my<a href="http://elektrajewelry.com/"> jewelry workshop.</a><br />Thanks so much to Susan and to Trish (who makes <a href="http://www.soapyblessings.etsy.com/">handmade soap</a>) for planning this event. <div id="lws_0"><div class="linkwithin_outer" style="margin: 0pt; border: 0pt none; padding: 0pt; clear: both;"><div class="linkwithin_inner" style="margin: 0pt; border: 0pt none; padding: 0pt; width: 358px;"><div class="linkwithin_posts" style="margin: 0pt; border: 0pt none; padding: 0pt;"><a name="linkwithin_link_0" href="http://linda-considerations.blogspot.com/2010/08/surprise-gift-furoshiki-and-soap.html" onmousedown="this.href='http://widget.linkwithin.com/redirect?url=http%3A//linda-considerations.blogspot.com/2010/08/surprise-gift-furoshiki-and-soap.html&vars=%5B%22http%3A//linda-considerations.blogspot.com/2010/09/secret-pal-gift-for-dina.html%22%2C%2042731%2C%200%2C%20%22http%3A//linda-considerations.blogspot.com/2010/09/secret-pal-gift-for-dina.html%22%2C%2044027027%2C%201%2C%2042958057%5D&ts=' + (new Date()).getTime(); return true;" style="display: block; float: left; border-right: 1px solid rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom: medium none; margin: 0pt; padding: 6px; text-decoration: none; text-align: left; cursor: pointer;" onmouseover="this.style.backgroundColor='#dde'" onmouseout="this.style.backgroundColor=''"></a></div></div> </div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-31964339673623300082010-08-31T18:45:00.000-07:002010-09-01T07:38:39.973-07:00Collaborators in CahootsI am fortunate enough to be a member of a wonderful team of collaborators. We share ideas and knowledge on ways to promote our products on the Internet. Today I am giving you a preview of three of these shops. <br />Three Collaborators Team members' shops:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TH22hRvGCJI/AAAAAAAABd8/xe50mrq12SU/s1600/susan.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 53px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TH22hRvGCJI/AAAAAAAABd8/xe50mrq12SU/s400/susan.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511762201784223890" /></a><br />Today, let's look at this shop: <br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/susanneedlehands">SusanNeedlehands </a>Handmade Knitwear, Home Decor & Crafts<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TH20JOOtmuI/AAAAAAAABds/ejkh_yUpgKg/s1600/shelly.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 53px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TH20JOOtmuI/AAAAAAAABds/ejkh_yUpgKg/s400/shelly.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511759589502982882" /></a><br /> Now for Shelly's shop. Shelly knits and crochets ponchos, hats, scarves, shawls and accessories.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Shelly6262">Take a peek at her purses & felted bags.</a><br />~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TH2zHNHyzYI/AAAAAAAABdk/YAvZytRzV6U/s1600/hamna.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 53px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TH2zHNHyzYI/AAAAAAAABdk/YAvZytRzV6U/s400/hamna.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511758455334161794" /></a><br />Have you visited Hamna's Etsy shop?<br />Her shop is full of Handmade clothing and costumes for adults and children<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/hamnahamid">Just look at these marvelous dresses!</a><br /> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TH5d6oTzYKI/AAAAAAAABeM/bos3s1rjTaE/s1600/2010+August+-+Cycle+ride.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TH5d6oTzYKI/AAAAAAAABeM/bos3s1rjTaE/s400/2010+August+-+Cycle+ride.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511946255782338722" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Here is a photo of one of my teammates. She says,"This morning I went on a bike ride. You can see I am using a water bottle carrier - and it came from this shop!" <br /><br />You might also like:<br />My water bottle carrier<br />Come Check Out A Beautiful Shop!<br />Featured in <a href="Bookmarks Toolbar Most Visited http://www.google.com/firefox?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official http://collaboratorsincahoots.ning.com/ http://twitter.com/#search?q=%232CIC https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1#inbox http://www.etsy.com/shop/elektrajewelry http://twitter.com/ http://www.etsy.com/ https://mail.google.com/mail/?shva=1 http://collaboratorsincahoots.ning.com/profiles/message/listInbox http://www.google.com/ig?hl=en http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/central/ http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/ http://buzzthebiz.blogspot.com/2009/11/student-entrepreneur-kelsi-herrick.html"><a href="http://ivy9sdaytoday.blogspot.com/">Susanneedlehand's</a></a> blogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-79179600520187594512010-06-07T14:22:00.000-07:002010-06-07T14:27:21.454-07:00Fire and Ice<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TA1kJb0wdEI/AAAAAAAABdE/HgMlOhLkzoY/s1600/FireShot+capture+%23005+-+%27Is+Summer+Here+Yet+by+SoapyBlessings+on+Etsy%27+-+www_etsy_com_treasury_4bf9f8a1023d6d91dcce1e95_is-summer-here-yet.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 379px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TA1kJb0wdEI/AAAAAAAABdE/HgMlOhLkzoY/s400/FireShot+capture+%23005+-+%27Is+Summer+Here+Yet+by+SoapyBlessings+on+Etsy%27+-+www_etsy_com_treasury_4bf9f8a1023d6d91dcce1e95_is-summer-here-yet.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480146434830398530" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TA1jrHn7PJI/AAAAAAAABc8/zDa2sdJWn1k/s1600/FireShot+capture+%23004+-+%27%27+-+.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 376px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/TA1jrHn7PJI/AAAAAAAABc8/zDa2sdJWn1k/s400/FireShot+capture+%23004+-+%27%27+-+.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5480145914011794578" /></a><br />Take a look at <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4c093dfa717b6d91699fee06/fire">two</a> wonderful etsy treasuries <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4bf9f8a1023d6d91dcce1e95/is-summer-here-yet">here</a>:Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-24308653940897907752010-06-07T14:16:00.000-07:002010-06-07T14:22:32.758-07:00Fire and IceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-34719651188743978782010-04-27T22:53:00.000-07:002010-04-27T23:01:49.353-07:00Tips for Promting your Website<p>As a member of the baby boomer generation, I have struggled with getting exposure to my little shop on the Internet. When I first began listing my jewelry items in my shop, I had no idea where to even begin. I did feel confident that people would like my pieces, if only I could take decent photos and have my work visible to enough people.</p><p> I thought I would share some tips that helped me get started and perhaps if you are new to this, you may find these beneficial.</p><p>1.<b> Get your name out here using as many venues as possible</b>. Since I was still a beginner, I did not have the money to spend on my own website and decided to list my items with Etsy.com and Artfire.com which allowed me to list and sell my work without spending an arm and a leg! I joined facebook, stumbled upon , flickr, twitter,forums and artists groups just like this one. More about that later.</p><p>2. <b>You need an avatar and banner that represents your work and that you use consistently to let people know who you are</b>. My work is influenced by my Greek heritage and so I use this avatar to represent me.jpg" border="0"></p><p>I use this as my banner:</p><p><img src="http://totalartsoul.com/images/265/my%20banner.jpg" alt="" /></p><p>I feel that it is important to be consistent and not keep changing your image so that people can identify you. </p><p>3. <b>Get help</b>. I can't stress this enough. Since I am computer challenged, please don't think I did this without help. My banner was made by a graphic designer on etsy and my niece did my avatar. Since I had no experience with photography and had no idea taking photos of jewelry was so difficult, I found a local person to help me with photoshop elements. I still struggle endlessly with photos, but if you could have seen the first ones you'd know, "I've come a long way baby!" </p><p>4.<b> Check your statistics on Google analytics.</b> Learn about keywords and how to make your titles and descriptions visible on the Internet. There are many tutorials on these subjects. </p><p>5. <b>Don't give up</b>. If you are not a computer whiz, you will spend many hours figuring out how to do what you need to do. This can get very frustrating and it won't happen overnight. I have been doing this for 4 years and I am just beginning to get more consistent sales. </p><p><img src="http://totalartsoul.com/images/265/computer%20talking.gif" alt="" width="282" height="232" /></p><p>6. <b>Join groups that help you promote</b></p><p>One of the groups I have joined that has helped me is <b>Collaborators In Cahoots. </b></p><p> <img src="http://totalartsoul.com/images/265/1CahootsAvatar.jpg" mce_src="http://totalartsoul.com/images/265/1CahootsAvatar.jpg" alt="" width="110" height="110" /></p><p>You will need to find a group that is right for you. I belong to a few now and they have provided a wealth of information, not only about promoting on the web, but also sources for my jewelry needs.</p><p>7. BLOG. I am guilty of not keeping up to date on mine, but blogging is a great way to meet new people, gain knowledge and make yourself visible to search engines. </p><p> <img src="http://totalartsoul.com/images/265/060922_blogging_material.gif" mce_src="http://totalartsoul.com/images/265/060922_blogging_material.gif" alt="" width="266" height="148" /></p>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-4356731726593841772010-03-25T14:03:00.001-07:002010-03-25T14:03:48.518-07:00<a href="http://ping.fm/3gs6G">http://ping.fm/3gs6G</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-82107014715448226372010-03-25T12:47:00.000-07:002010-03-25T13:21:56.550-07:00Another Way to Promote Your MerchandiseIf you are like me, trying to get exposure through the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Internet</span>, you may not have considered the power of slide shows and videos. I know that most digital cameras have the ability to record short videos and that is certainly an option. Have a family member or friend record you while you introduce yourself and show items from your online shop. People like to connect a face and personality with the shop owners they buy from on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Internet</span>. I am a member of a group of sellers <a href="http://collaboratorsincahoots.ning.com/">Collaborators in Cahoots</a> that help each other promote. One of my dear <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">friends</span> from this great group of people made this slide show for me while I am recovering from recent surgery. It was the nicest gift I could have received and as soon as I am able, I plan to record a video of myself with my latest jewelry items. Our group of artisans also has a <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/collaborators2">shop on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">etsy</span></a> which you should not miss .<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzER6n_61q7FKdayY9KdCtGuUNAX5vvM6a4UC1wHhVziCRxE4wrL3VPVJAbJhNxLIg6ZAKgbCMrdgoD1rZ3Lg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-11133398615250233272010-01-30T13:14:00.000-08:002010-01-30T13:47:11.564-08:00How to Make the Best Use of Etsy Treasuries !<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/S2SjZaMCrvI/AAAAAAAABbg/meIO7lY1vfk/s1600-h/jessica_rabbit.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 388px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/S2SjZaMCrvI/AAAAAAAABbg/meIO7lY1vfk/s400/jessica_rabbit.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5432646707437547250" border="0" /></a>I am sure many of you remember Jessica Rabbit from "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?". She was the epitome of hotness. This is what can help drive Etsy Treasuries to the front page which is where you want them to be. It will also help your items be seen by more viewers. This "How To" comes from my teammate and friend on <a href="http://www.collaboratorsincahoots.blogspot.com/">Collaborators in Cahoots</a>, a wonderful Etsy team. Try following these tips to see if they will make a big difference in getting your next treasury to the FRONT PAGE!<br /><br />The main point of a treasury is for your item to be seen by as many people as possible, people who may be possible customers.<br /><br />There are many pages in the Treasury list. Potential customers are not going to wade through every single page to see dozens of treasuries.<br /><br />Treasuries can be sorted by anyone looking, in several ways. They can order the list by alphabetical name of curator, by expiry time and by "hotness."<br /><br /><i>Hotness</i> is the one thing we can have a hand in. A treasury gets hotter when a mixture of the number of comments and the number of clicks and possibly something else makes the treasury move nearer the first page of the treasury list.<br /><br />It is far more likely that any potential customer who likes to sort by Hotness is going to see this Treasury, rather than see one on page 5 or page 10. Hotness matters for those who sort by hotness.<br /><br /><br />Above each square is a tiny gray number. That shows the number of times that photo has been clicked.<br /><br />Each person viewing gets 12 clicks. Once you have clicked, and left a comment, <i>then</i> your work starts as you now have to persuade as many other people as you can to do the same; click and comment.<br />Put the link on Twitter.<br />You can take a screenshot, upload the screenshot to Flickr, put the link to that photo on Facebook (which will then upload as the Treasury pictures) and write the link to the treasury under that.<br />You can blog about it.<br />The message to get out is that clicking will help all the artisans in this treasury.<br /><br />There is room on a Treasury for about 42 comments. When that space is full up, people can still click the photos.<br /><br />As an aside, one poor photo ruins the whole treasury. There is no way Admin will choose for Front Page a well curated treasury where there is even one poor photo.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8025833812563966756.post-43619523838102794222010-01-09T21:12:00.000-08:002010-01-14T19:06:55.550-08:00A Divine Sisterhood<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/S0lm8cEaINI/AAAAAAAABbY/nxARt1YxJ8g/s1600-h/oofah-sis-bracelet.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/S0lm8cEaINI/AAAAAAAABbY/nxARt1YxJ8g/s400/oofah-sis-bracelet.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424980414657339602" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/S0lmzs23T8I/AAAAAAAABbQ/OqqMRKSQyzs/s1600-h/oofasis-bracelet.gif"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 368px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_UyBfmbApr_k/S0lmzs23T8I/AAAAAAAABbQ/OqqMRKSQyzs/s400/oofasis-bracelet.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5424980264545112002" border="0" /></a><br />I am very fortunate to be part of a wonderful group of 5 girlfriends who have known each other for over 30 years. During that time we have all shared happy occasions and unfortunately, our share of sad ones too. Each one of us brings something unique and special to the group . I am not the "sister" that has a way with words but wanted to share this anyhow. We have supported each other through divorces, broken hearts, births, deaths, surgeries and sickness. We have traveled together, laughed and cried together and tried to be totally supportive even when we disagreed with each other.<br />In honor of our special bond, I made each one of us the bracelet you see above with the funny name we call ourselves. This name actually came to be from one of the X husbands of one of our "sisters."It has significance only to us, but somehow seemed to fit. If you are lucky enough to have friends that you love and support leave a comment here.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13519693292877412563noreply@blogger.com6