Go see it here: www.alisuns.com
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
New Web Site!
I'm so excited! VaL finished my new web site and has agreed to maintain it for a flat rate. She does great work! I specifically asked her to make it compatible with my ArtFire studios and she did a wonderful job!
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Art Thief!
I guess there is one in every community, but this is someone (again) stealing physical art. This time at an art show. The following is copied from another artisan's blog. Please read and be alert.
Jenny Paterson from “Quilted in Clay” posted this to the PCC delphi message board and asked that we pass it on.
“2 weeks ago while packing up after a show, my case with ALL my finished “Quilted in Clay” beads was stolen out of my trailer. Along with all my findings, crystals and beads I use as accents to make necklaces.
I am estimating that I had upwards of 4500 clay beads in various sizes inside that case! I make beads in in 4 different sizes and shapes, in EACH of the 33 designs I currently have listed on my web site. Plus a number that I don’t have on the website.
These shapes are 3/4″ mobius beads, 5/8″ square, 1/2″ square and 3/8″ square. All finished and drilled.
It was suggested to me to keep an eye on eBay and Etsy for these. Which I plan on doing, but these are huge shops and I can’t monitor them alone, so I am asking for help.
If you all would not mind taking a look at the current designs on my website:
http://www.quiltedinclay.com/products/jewelry/quilted_jewelry1.htm
And if you happen to see something that might be my beads, please let me know.
I am devastated! We are talking hours and hours of work just GONE! Some of these designs, I don’t have any cane left, so I can’t even make any more beads, unless I remake the cane. I am having to call customers and tell them I can’t sell them the items they ordered, and ask them to choose something I have on hand, or give them a refund.
Thank you
Jenny P”
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Holiday
My husband and I are spending the holiday with his mother and his brother's family and hope that you are having as good a time as we are! Happy 4th, and see you soon.
Ali
Ali
Monday, June 29, 2009
Jewelry is Dangerous!
My fellow crafters, I must admit weakness. I fell almost completely apart under the weight of my daily promotion duties when I added one more chore - columnist for HMN News. Because my chosen department is not one in which I am expert, to say the least, extensive research is needed for each of my columns. That, a chance for an exclusive jewelry show,and remodeling my studio (which has major problems since the change to fusion squared off pix, and was in the process of being reorganized already) and daily guild blogs (which I haven't managed for a couple months at least) and Crazy Train blogs on every other day and Forum responses and Sneakers Tuesday did me in. All this should be manageable, some of you may say, since I'm not working, but I have the job search and actually enjoying my hobby as well. I'm still learning most of these thngs, so they are time intensive. I simply couldn't do it. And it depressed me that I couldn't. I don't want to give up any of these things, but I just must cut back.
I'll blog once or twice a week on each blog. I will continue my research for HMN and my columns, especially now that the output requirements have been changed. I will spend a minimal time in the forums and almost no time on Plurk or Twitter or other venues until I establish a routine that is comfortable. I hope you will forgive my inattentiveness in the past and until then.
Thank you very much to those of you who sought me out on various venues to find out how I was doing. It was appreciated.
I'll see you sometime next week!
Ali
I'll blog once or twice a week on each blog. I will continue my research for HMN and my columns, especially now that the output requirements have been changed. I will spend a minimal time in the forums and almost no time on Plurk or Twitter or other venues until I establish a routine that is comfortable. I hope you will forgive my inattentiveness in the past and until then.
Thank you very much to those of you who sought me out on various venues to find out how I was doing. It was appreciated.
I'll see you sometime next week!
Ali
Thursday, June 4, 2009
West Coast Crafters #11
Happy Thursday! I should be going to the flea market to scout the place, but since I went to bed 5 hours behind schedule yesterday, I'm going to try to play catch-up today. AND make an easier schedule to follow!
My latest HandMade News column is about recycling cell phones and giving aid to Third World medicine at the same time. Read it here.
Tuesday's Artfire Sneakers unsub was JennyKarlssonDesign. I bought a beautiful linen lavender sachet.
Don't forget to visit my Crazy Train blog, featuring three crazy train participants:
Ninja Jenn at http://www.ninjajenn.artfire.com http://www.ninjajenn.blogspot.com
Grahtoestudio at http://www.grahtoestudio.artfire.com
Kraftouch Treasures at http://www.kraftouchtreasures.artfire.com http://www.kraftouchtreasures.blogspot.com
The Crazy Train now has a .ning site so you can keep up on the latest stop.
The third guild to which I belong is the ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply guild. There is currently a giveaway going on at our .ning site. Also, the guild member of the week is StudioontheHill, which has some amazing items.
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster. My next post will be a roster update, then I will begin featuring the enormous AJDJSS guild. Today's West Coast Crafters are: Thisisit journals and jewelry: This studio has been discontinued. TwilightsFancy necklaces and purses Tztudio precious metal clay jewelry
TwilightsFancy has beautiful items. Here is her studio in her own words: "Being that I am Lady Twilight and creating necklaces and purses are what I fancy, I present Twilight's Fancy. Creativity is my whimsy. What's your fancy?
"I post something new almost every day, so come on back and see what I've added or subscribe to my rss feed. Or, if you're looking for something in particular, contact me. I'd love to hear from you.
"All of my necklaces and purses are handmade by yours truly. I never make the same one twice, so check all my listings here (and at http://rinaslayter.etsy.com) or contact me if you see one you like, but want to buy one a little different. If the supplies are still available, your wish will be granted."
About herself, "My friends say I'm unique, very creative and a little strange and I agree with their assessment.
"I've always enjoyed making jewelry. In junior high, I used to make something like 30 pairs of earrings each week. Basically, the same 30 every week...from the same beads, but arranged differently. I made the best of what I had and was constantly changing even though the materials stayed the same.
"I also enjoy sewing. Why purses? I. Don't. Know. I honestly don't, but it seems to go back to those early days when I worked from a certain pool of materials, but yet each creation is different. I never make the same one twice. I work with what I have in my sewing room. Old, new, remnants, full bolts. I've amassed so much over the years.
"When I'm not in my craft room, I write romance novels, work on television shows and movies as a specialty costumer or even as an extra, maintain websites and work on my classic cars. For more information on who I am, see my website at http://RinaSlayter.com"
Because I never watch television (ok, almost never, and usually prerecorded to get rid of commercials) I didn't understand what "Twilight inspired" meant. Now I see!
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TZStudio is currently not a verified ArtFire member, and therefore no longer a member of our guild, but I thought to highlight this unusual studio in the hope that we can encourage verification and guild membership again.
Since the artist gives no bio or introduction, I will copy the pictured item descriptions for you.
"Need the perfect gift?
"Why not a ring made from a grandmother's silver pattern!
"I will make a mould from one of the pieces, and return it to you with your ring.
"This ring was made from my grandmother's silver pattern.
"It is made of fine silver (.999), hand crafted by me using Precious Metal Clay. Textured with a floral pattern. The texture continues all the way around the ring.
"Precious Metal Clay is a clay-like medium used to make jewelry, beads and small sculpture. It consists of very small particles of silver mixed with an organic binder and water. Precious Metal Clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using molds. After drying, it is fired in a kiln. The binder burns away, leaving .999 pure silver. The piece is then antiqued, or oxidized, to bring out the texture.
"Please specify ring size upon checkout."
"PEACE AND LOVE!
"This leaf textured peace and love heart pendant has been hand crafted by me, using Precious Metal clay, or PMC. Precious Metal Clay is a clay-like medium used to make jewelry, beads and small sculpture. It consists of very small particles of silver mixed with an organic binder and water. Precious metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using molds. After drying, it is fired in a kiln. The binder burns away, leaving .999 pure silver. The pendant is then antiqued, or oxidized, to bring out the texture.
"Pendant measures 1 1/8".
"Hangs on a black rubber cord, with a sterling silver clasp.
"Don't forget to check out the matching earrings!"
Whew! That was a lot of stuff for just a few days! I hope you found time to visit our guild members' studios. Don't forget to come back here and leave a comment for our artists. Each month a pair of earrings or bracelet is given away to a random commenter. Have fun today!
My latest HandMade News column is about recycling cell phones and giving aid to Third World medicine at the same time. Read it here.
Tuesday's Artfire Sneakers unsub was JennyKarlssonDesign. I bought a beautiful linen lavender sachet.
Don't forget to visit my Crazy Train blog, featuring three crazy train participants:
Ninja Jenn at http://www.ninjajenn.artfire.com http://www.ninjajenn.blogspot.com
Grahtoestudio at http://www.grahtoestudio.artfire.com
Kraftouch Treasures at http://www.kraftouchtreasures.artfire.com http://www.kraftouchtreasures.blogspot.com
The Crazy Train now has a .ning site so you can keep up on the latest stop.
The third guild to which I belong is the ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply guild. There is currently a giveaway going on at our .ning site. Also, the guild member of the week is StudioontheHill, which has some amazing items.
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster. My next post will be a roster update, then I will begin featuring the enormous AJDJSS guild. Today's West Coast Crafters are: Thisisit journals and jewelry: This studio has been discontinued. TwilightsFancy necklaces and purses Tztudio precious metal clay jewelry
TwilightsFancy has beautiful items. Here is her studio in her own words: "Being that I am Lady Twilight and creating necklaces and purses are what I fancy, I present Twilight's Fancy. Creativity is my whimsy. What's your fancy?
"I post something new almost every day, so come on back and see what I've added or subscribe to my rss feed. Or, if you're looking for something in particular, contact me. I'd love to hear from you.
"All of my necklaces and purses are handmade by yours truly. I never make the same one twice, so check all my listings here (and at http://rinaslayter.etsy.com) or contact me if you see one you like, but want to buy one a little different. If the supplies are still available, your wish will be granted."
About herself, "My friends say I'm unique, very creative and a little strange and I agree with their assessment.
"I've always enjoyed making jewelry. In junior high, I used to make something like 30 pairs of earrings each week. Basically, the same 30 every week...from the same beads, but arranged differently. I made the best of what I had and was constantly changing even though the materials stayed the same.
"I also enjoy sewing. Why purses? I. Don't. Know. I honestly don't, but it seems to go back to those early days when I worked from a certain pool of materials, but yet each creation is different. I never make the same one twice. I work with what I have in my sewing room. Old, new, remnants, full bolts. I've amassed so much over the years.
"When I'm not in my craft room, I write romance novels, work on television shows and movies as a specialty costumer or even as an extra, maintain websites and work on my classic cars. For more information on who I am, see my website at http://RinaSlayter.com"
Because I never watch television (ok, almost never, and usually prerecorded to get rid of commercials) I didn't understand what "Twilight inspired" meant. Now I see!
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
TZStudio is currently not a verified ArtFire member, and therefore no longer a member of our guild, but I thought to highlight this unusual studio in the hope that we can encourage verification and guild membership again.
Since the artist gives no bio or introduction, I will copy the pictured item descriptions for you.
"Need the perfect gift?
"Why not a ring made from a grandmother's silver pattern!
"I will make a mould from one of the pieces, and return it to you with your ring.
"This ring was made from my grandmother's silver pattern.
"It is made of fine silver (.999), hand crafted by me using Precious Metal Clay. Textured with a floral pattern. The texture continues all the way around the ring.
"Precious Metal Clay is a clay-like medium used to make jewelry, beads and small sculpture. It consists of very small particles of silver mixed with an organic binder and water. Precious Metal Clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using molds. After drying, it is fired in a kiln. The binder burns away, leaving .999 pure silver. The piece is then antiqued, or oxidized, to bring out the texture.
"Please specify ring size upon checkout."
"PEACE AND LOVE!
"This leaf textured peace and love heart pendant has been hand crafted by me, using Precious Metal clay, or PMC. Precious Metal Clay is a clay-like medium used to make jewelry, beads and small sculpture. It consists of very small particles of silver mixed with an organic binder and water. Precious metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using molds. After drying, it is fired in a kiln. The binder burns away, leaving .999 pure silver. The pendant is then antiqued, or oxidized, to bring out the texture.
"Pendant measures 1 1/8".
"Hangs on a black rubber cord, with a sterling silver clasp.
"Don't forget to check out the matching earrings!"
Whew! That was a lot of stuff for just a few days! I hope you found time to visit our guild members' studios. Don't forget to come back here and leave a comment for our artists. Each month a pair of earrings or bracelet is given away to a random commenter. Have fun today!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
West Coast Crafters #10
Happy Weekend! Hurray! My husband and I plan to do a little window shopping and maybe see a movie today. For two over-39 (hubby is 40) people, we sure see a lot of Pixar movies! We love them.
I'm not a gardener (my husband has a degree in horticulture so he gets those chores) but my latest HandMade News column is about killing weeds without pesticides. Read it here.
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring TheBroomCloset. Paula has a wide variety of destashes in this shop. One less now, because I bought them! Paula is also the creator of the Crazy Train. (Bows to the Crazy Train Master.) She and the original secretary then abdigated all responsiblity to LaDeDaCreations, who is doing a wonderful job of keeping us in line.
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
Thechainmaillelady Chain maille jewelry Theskinyourein Handmade bath and body products
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
Thechainmaillelady says, "I make gorgeous chainmaille jewelry! I have been weaving teeny tiny jump rings for over 4 years.
"My passion is working with sterling silver however, knowing that not everyone can afford sterling silver I have also created chainmaille using other mediums. I believe everyone should own at least one piece of chainmaille!"
I bought a version of this for my daughter-in-law:
"I would love to hear from you about my designs and quality so I can keep up to date."
"Listen To Me Every Tuesday 7PM EST On BlockHead Radio. Just Click On The Banner"
There is a BlockHead Radio widget on the right.
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Theskinyourein says, "I am a wife, mom, grandma and step-mom and I love my job! I've been making bath and body products for the past six years and I'm blessed to have this profession as my full time job. This business was born out of my own battle with eczema and severely dry skin. After a few years of formulating and testing, I can say that my eczema is now under control and I am my best advertising tool.
"I love what I do and I hope you will too!"
Don't forget to visit their studios and leave messages for them as comments on this blog. Each month a random commenter receives a free pair of earrings or sterling plated bracelet (their choice).
I'm not a gardener (my husband has a degree in horticulture so he gets those chores) but my latest HandMade News column is about killing weeds without pesticides. Read it here.
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring TheBroomCloset. Paula has a wide variety of destashes in this shop. One less now, because I bought them! Paula is also the creator of the Crazy Train. (Bows to the Crazy Train Master.) She and the original secretary then abdigated all responsiblity to LaDeDaCreations, who is doing a wonderful job of keeping us in line.
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
Thechainmaillelady Chain maille jewelry Theskinyourein Handmade bath and body products
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
Thechainmaillelady says, "I make gorgeous chainmaille jewelry! I have been weaving teeny tiny jump rings for over 4 years.
"My passion is working with sterling silver however, knowing that not everyone can afford sterling silver I have also created chainmaille using other mediums. I believe everyone should own at least one piece of chainmaille!"
I bought a version of this for my daughter-in-law:
"I would love to hear from you about my designs and quality so I can keep up to date."
"Listen To Me Every Tuesday 7PM EST On BlockHead Radio. Just Click On The Banner"
There is a BlockHead Radio widget on the right.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Theskinyourein says, "I am a wife, mom, grandma and step-mom and I love my job! I've been making bath and body products for the past six years and I'm blessed to have this profession as my full time job. This business was born out of my own battle with eczema and severely dry skin. After a few years of formulating and testing, I can say that my eczema is now under control and I am my best advertising tool.
"I love what I do and I hope you will too!"
Don't forget to visit their studios and leave messages for them as comments on this blog. Each month a random commenter receives a free pair of earrings or sterling plated bracelet (their choice).
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
West Coast Crafters #9
Number 9...number 9....number 9... Ok, sorry. I'm a long-time Beatles fan.
Happy Sneakers Tuesday, folks! My husband and I had a great holiday with his mother, brother and wife and girls, and family friends. We were out of town, and it was great to see the clear sky stars and gorgeous lake in the mountain valley. We saw brother-in-law's family cabin, which is new and ready for rental over the summer. I'm glad it wasn't rented while we were there so we could play with the babies!...um, I mean, see Mom-in-law, Brother-in-law, Sister-in-law, and friends. I hope your holiday wasn't spent in grief but in celebration of the freedom the sacrifices of our military have bought.
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring Angelas_Adornments. Angela has played with the new studio options that ArtFire has provided us and I think you will agree they are awesome!
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
QuirkynBerkeley Greeting cards
Sewstitchedup embroidery designs on fabric squares, (SewStitchedUp appears to be on vacation, so we will visit with her later)
TantalizingStitches Craft supply
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
As a San Francisco Bay Area resident, I'm a little amused that anyone in Berkeley need identify oneself as quirky but I can tell you that if you browse this studio you will find many fun and simply beautiful items. Quirky does greeting cards, and the teeny tiny envelopes are clearly quirky, but cute, and the great day card pictured is clearly beautiful, so you need not be eccentric to visit this studio.
The artisan says, "Love paper. Love color. Love Berkeley.
Enjoy your Sneakers' Tuesday and be sure to visit the .ning site or the ArtFire Forum to discover the identity of this week's unsub!
Happy Sneakers Tuesday, folks! My husband and I had a great holiday with his mother, brother and wife and girls, and family friends. We were out of town, and it was great to see the clear sky stars and gorgeous lake in the mountain valley. We saw brother-in-law's family cabin, which is new and ready for rental over the summer. I'm glad it wasn't rented while we were there so we could play with the babies!...um, I mean, see Mom-in-law, Brother-in-law, Sister-in-law, and friends. I hope your holiday wasn't spent in grief but in celebration of the freedom the sacrifices of our military have bought.
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring Angelas_Adornments. Angela has played with the new studio options that ArtFire has provided us and I think you will agree they are awesome!
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
QuirkynBerkeley Greeting cards
Sewstitchedup embroidery designs on fabric squares, (SewStitchedUp appears to be on vacation, so we will visit with her later)
TantalizingStitches Craft supply
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
As a San Francisco Bay Area resident, I'm a little amused that anyone in Berkeley need identify oneself as quirky but I can tell you that if you browse this studio you will find many fun and simply beautiful items. Quirky does greeting cards, and the teeny tiny envelopes are clearly quirky, but cute, and the great day card pictured is clearly beautiful, so you need not be eccentric to visit this studio.
The artisan says, "Love paper. Love color. Love Berkeley.
"Beyond that, my style is eclectic and I love to experiment. I get completely absorbed in engineering my varied creations for hours. Each one is a new and unique production, made of treasures from my collection of paper and ephemera, transfigured into a single piece held together by a little glue, a lot of ideas, practice and work, and most of all, a great amount of joy. Everything is made in a smoke free environment."
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TantalizingStitches is a neighbor: we live in the same town.
The artisan's bio reads, "I opened up my supply shop after my craft room became overwhelmed with supplies! So now, you too, can enjoy my excess craft room supplies. (All items are new and have never been used!)
"I am a avid supporter of animals and for that reason I send 5% of all sales to PAWS-Saipan, an animal welfare organization on Saipan, an island in the Northern Mariana Islands of Micronesia, where I lived for two years. I started selling my craft when I lived there so it was only fit to dedicate part of my store to those wonderful animals."
Two great artisans who are practically neighbors!
Don't forget to visit their studios and leave messages for them as comments on this blog. Each month a random commenter receives a free pair of earrings or sterling plated bracelet (their choice).
I'm also going to go out on a limb and offer the pick of any AlisunsToo item or Alisuns item under $25 and under to the first person to reply to this blog with the basic grammatical error (excluding punctuation) in my latest HandMade News column in the Green Wise section. Here is a link.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TantalizingStitches is a neighbor: we live in the same town.
The artisan's bio reads, "I opened up my supply shop after my craft room became overwhelmed with supplies! So now, you too, can enjoy my excess craft room supplies. (All items are new and have never been used!)
"I am a avid supporter of animals and for that reason I send 5% of all sales to PAWS-Saipan, an animal welfare organization on Saipan, an island in the Northern Mariana Islands of Micronesia, where I lived for two years. I started selling my craft when I lived there so it was only fit to dedicate part of my store to those wonderful animals."
Two great artisans who are practically neighbors!
Don't forget to visit their studios and leave messages for them as comments on this blog. Each month a random commenter receives a free pair of earrings or sterling plated bracelet (their choice).
I'm also going to go out on a limb and offer the pick of any AlisunsToo item or Alisuns item under $25 and under to the first person to reply to this blog with the basic grammatical error (excluding punctuation) in my latest HandMade News column in the Green Wise section. Here is a link.
Enjoy your Sneakers' Tuesday and be sure to visit the .ning site or the ArtFire Forum to discover the identity of this week's unsub!
Saturday, May 16, 2009
West Coast Crafters #8
Happy Saturday, folks! We have a Spare the Air day here because temps are expected to hit triple digits. I think I'll stay in :)
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring Creative Haven
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
MzzThang unique and one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry
Papierlune Unique, upcycled, mixed media fun
Here is MzzThang in her own words: My designs and inspiration comes from many things - Listening to a really good song, stories my kids tell me, a drive along the coast, the smile on someones face, etc.
I host several fund raising events to benefit the Lupus Foundation of America -- from bowling and darts tournaments to the proceeds from the sales of every 50th piece of jewelry that I create. Please check my jewelry listings for the word "DONATION" in the heading. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these pieces will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org)
You can also view additional jewelry in our online store by visiting:
Fo-Shizzle Design Studios"
About her studio:"From whimsical to elegant and chic, the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios has it all. We offer unique and one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, using quality materials and excellent craftsmanship.
Don't see quite what you're looking for? Simply call or e-mail us. We'll be happy to custom design a piece tailored to your liking."
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From Papierlune: "Welcome to Papier Lune!! Unique, upcycled, mixed media fun is what it is all about here. Kick off your shoes and come on in."
"My name is Sarah and I am mixed media artist that resides and creates up here on beautiful Whidbey Island, Washington. "
This is an upcycled olive oil tin light.
Stop back here and drop a comment for them and you will be entered into my random May Giveaway: a set of earrings or custom-length bracelet.
Have fun today!
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring Creative Haven
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
MzzThang unique and one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry
Papierlune Unique, upcycled, mixed media fun
Here is MzzThang in her own words: My designs and inspiration comes from many things - Listening to a really good song, stories my kids tell me, a drive along the coast, the smile on someones face, etc.
I host several fund raising events to benefit the Lupus Foundation of America -- from bowling and darts tournaments to the proceeds from the sales of every 50th piece of jewelry that I create. Please check my jewelry listings for the word "DONATION" in the heading. 100% of the proceeds from the sales of these pieces will be donated to the Lupus Foundation of America (www.lupus.org)
You can also view additional jewelry in our online store by visiting:
Fo-Shizzle Design Studios"
About her studio:"From whimsical to elegant and chic, the Fo-Shizzle Design Studios has it all. We offer unique and one-of-a-kind handcrafted jewelry, using quality materials and excellent craftsmanship.
Don't see quite what you're looking for? Simply call or e-mail us. We'll be happy to custom design a piece tailored to your liking."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
From Papierlune: "Welcome to Papier Lune!! Unique, upcycled, mixed media fun is what it is all about here. Kick off your shoes and come on in."
"My name is Sarah and I am mixed media artist that resides and creates up here on beautiful Whidbey Island, Washington. "
This is an upcycled olive oil tin light.
Stop back here and drop a comment for them and you will be entered into my random May Giveaway: a set of earrings or custom-length bracelet.
Have fun today!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
West Coast Crafters #7
Life happens. I missed everyone while I was busy with it.
Happy Thursday, everyone! This week's unsub was jennuinecandles.
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring http://www.artfire.com/users/MichiganMud today.
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
Marysrosegarden rosary bracelets
Morumoto Guinea pig plushies from original design
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
Marysrosegarden does beautiful rosaries, rosary bracelets, key chains, and car rosaries. She does custom work, so ask her for what you've always wanted in a rosary.
Her studio intro is:"Specializing in handmade sterling silver and semi-precious gemstone wire-wrapped rosaries and rosary bracelets. Car rosaries and key chains are also available in silver plate and Czech fire-polished beads.
Custom orders are always welcome!"
Her bio reads, "My son gave me my first rosary bracelet. He purchased a little pewter bracelet, using his lawn mowing earnings. I was delighted with his gift and wore the bracelet until it fell apart. I found wearing a symbol and reminder of my faith very comforting. I needed to replace my original bracelet and wanted a bracelet that was more like a piece of jewelry. I was also looking for something more strongly made to withstand daily use. I found many beautiful bracelets, but the cost was out of my price range. That's when I decided to make my own. I have gotten so much pleasure from making and wearing these rosary bracelets, that I decided to share them with others. My goal is to spread the power of the Rosary by making a quality bracelet, using the best materials and selling for an affordable price."
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Morumoto is a fun studio selling plushies. The intro reads, "I love small animals. I know there are many of you out there who do too. My goal is to create life-like plush representations of our favorite critters. I only use faux fur, never real. I also make custom plushies, you can visit my gallery here to see all of my work: http://morumoto.deviantart.com/gallery/?5236385#Custom-Guinea-Pig-Plushies"
And the bio is, "Hi everyone! I'm Morumoto (Japanese for "guinea pig", in case anyone was curious). I've been drawing ever since I could remember and learned to sew at a young age. Creativity is something I cherish, and I just don't feel right if I'm not working on some sort of artistic or crafty endeavor.
Although I picked up the needle and thread when I was young, making plushies is something I began doing somewhat recently. It began with my fondness for guinea pigs; simply put, I've only ever found so few cavy items such as figurines and plushies that I decided to make some of my own. I craft my plush critters carefully by hand, creating a life-like portrayal that captures the feel as well as the appearance of my subjects. My crafting endeavors have already turned towards other rodents, such as mice, rats, hamsters, and and I won't be satisfied until I have made a plushie of most if not all rodents. I'm constantly searching for more materials and ideas."
Amazing little guys aren't they? I hope you enjoyed your stroll through our West Coast Crafters' studios today. Be sure to visit them and see what else they have to offer you.
Stop back here and drop a comment for them and you will be entered into my random May Giveaway: a set of earrings or custom-length bracelet.
Have fun today!
Happy Thursday, everyone! This week's unsub was jennuinecandles.
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring http://www.artfire.com/users/MichiganMud today.
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
Marysrosegarden rosary bracelets
Morumoto Guinea pig plushies from original design
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
Marysrosegarden does beautiful rosaries, rosary bracelets, key chains, and car rosaries. She does custom work, so ask her for what you've always wanted in a rosary.
Her studio intro is:"Specializing in handmade sterling silver and semi-precious gemstone wire-wrapped rosaries and rosary bracelets. Car rosaries and key chains are also available in silver plate and Czech fire-polished beads.
Custom orders are always welcome!"
Her bio reads, "My son gave me my first rosary bracelet. He purchased a little pewter bracelet, using his lawn mowing earnings. I was delighted with his gift and wore the bracelet until it fell apart. I found wearing a symbol and reminder of my faith very comforting. I needed to replace my original bracelet and wanted a bracelet that was more like a piece of jewelry. I was also looking for something more strongly made to withstand daily use. I found many beautiful bracelets, but the cost was out of my price range. That's when I decided to make my own. I have gotten so much pleasure from making and wearing these rosary bracelets, that I decided to share them with others. My goal is to spread the power of the Rosary by making a quality bracelet, using the best materials and selling for an affordable price."
````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Morumoto is a fun studio selling plushies. The intro reads, "I love small animals. I know there are many of you out there who do too. My goal is to create life-like plush representations of our favorite critters. I only use faux fur, never real. I also make custom plushies, you can visit my gallery here to see all of my work: http://morumoto.deviantart.com/gallery/?5236385#Custom-Guinea-Pig-Plushies"
And the bio is, "Hi everyone! I'm Morumoto (Japanese for "guinea pig", in case anyone was curious). I've been drawing ever since I could remember and learned to sew at a young age. Creativity is something I cherish, and I just don't feel right if I'm not working on some sort of artistic or crafty endeavor.
Although I picked up the needle and thread when I was young, making plushies is something I began doing somewhat recently. It began with my fondness for guinea pigs; simply put, I've only ever found so few cavy items such as figurines and plushies that I decided to make some of my own. I craft my plush critters carefully by hand, creating a life-like portrayal that captures the feel as well as the appearance of my subjects. My crafting endeavors have already turned towards other rodents, such as mice, rats, hamsters, and and I won't be satisfied until I have made a plushie of most if not all rodents. I'm constantly searching for more materials and ideas."
Amazing little guys aren't they? I hope you enjoyed your stroll through our West Coast Crafters' studios today. Be sure to visit them and see what else they have to offer you.
Stop back here and drop a comment for them and you will be entered into my random May Giveaway: a set of earrings or custom-length bracelet.
Have fun today!
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
West Coast Crafters #6
Happy Sneaker Tuesday, everyone! Today's unsub is Pelecypods2
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring JewelrybyJanzia today.
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
LaBellaVive jewelry, scarflets
LampworkbyAmy Lampwork glass pendants and bookmarks
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
One of these studios is new to me, so let's go explore LaBellaVive first:
The studio intro is, "~FREE Shipping!!~
Thank you so much for stopping by my Artfire Shop!
I'm posting new items and will post more - please check back often.
~~~
LaBellaVive is handmade - mostly jewelry.
There is beauty everywhere and all my pieces are about trying to capture some that.
I hope you find something of interest and Thank You so much for your support!
As revenues begin to pick up I will be donating a portion of the profits to an Auto-Immune (research) foundation."
The bio states, "I've been making and designing jewelry for about 10 years now. I've just started putting my newest pieces up for sale and look forward to this new venture.
I see beauty everywhere and hope to capture this inspriation in the pieces I make. ~ A great feature here on ArtFire is the allowance to tell the story behind the art work.
Each and every set is unique with its own personality and style. What will it say for you?
Thank you for your interest!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LampworkbyAmy says: " am a lampwork artist from Victoria, BC. I make glass beads and other glass creations out of art glass (mostly Italian), on a special table top torch. I do all of my work by hand. Each bead is kiln-annealed in a digitally controlled kiln straight out of the torch (I don't batch anneal), carefully cleaned, and inspected for flaws.
"I take my photos in a light-box with a digital camera. I don't have a professional photo set-up, but I do my best to make the colours look accurate, and to show the beads as well as I possibly can.
"I am a self-representing artist. This means that my beads are always hand-made by me.
Why buy from a self-representing artist? Here is a blurb from the SRA Website:
'We are a group of glass artists who are dedicated to the art of lampworking, an ancient art form that flourished in Italy in the 1300s and then spread throughout Europe, the Americas and the rest of the world.
'We work at home in our own studios, making beads, marbles or other glass objects one at a time. Patiently and carefully we strive for perfection in every object that we make. We are from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Israel, Germany... all over the world!'
Beadmaking is a treasured hobby in my life. It is a source of relaxation as well as artistic expression. "
I hope you enjoy strolling through their shops today. Stop back here and drop a comment for them and you will be entered into my random May Giveaway: a set of earrings or custom-length bracelet.
Have fun today!
Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring JewelrybyJanzia today.
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
LaBellaVive jewelry, scarflets
LampworkbyAmy Lampwork glass pendants and bookmarks
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
One of these studios is new to me, so let's go explore LaBellaVive first:
The studio intro is, "~FREE Shipping!!~
Thank you so much for stopping by my Artfire Shop!
I'm posting new items and will post more - please check back often.
~~~
LaBellaVive is handmade - mostly jewelry.
There is beauty everywhere and all my pieces are about trying to capture some that.
I hope you find something of interest and Thank You so much for your support!
As revenues begin to pick up I will be donating a portion of the profits to an Auto-Immune (research) foundation."
The bio states, "I've been making and designing jewelry for about 10 years now. I've just started putting my newest pieces up for sale and look forward to this new venture.
I see beauty everywhere and hope to capture this inspriation in the pieces I make. ~ A great feature here on ArtFire is the allowance to tell the story behind the art work.
Each and every set is unique with its own personality and style. What will it say for you?
Thank you for your interest!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
LampworkbyAmy says: " am a lampwork artist from Victoria, BC. I make glass beads and other glass creations out of art glass (mostly Italian), on a special table top torch. I do all of my work by hand. Each bead is kiln-annealed in a digitally controlled kiln straight out of the torch (I don't batch anneal), carefully cleaned, and inspected for flaws.
"I take my photos in a light-box with a digital camera. I don't have a professional photo set-up, but I do my best to make the colours look accurate, and to show the beads as well as I possibly can.
"I am a self-representing artist. This means that my beads are always hand-made by me.
Why buy from a self-representing artist? Here is a blurb from the SRA Website:
'We are a group of glass artists who are dedicated to the art of lampworking, an ancient art form that flourished in Italy in the 1300s and then spread throughout Europe, the Americas and the rest of the world.
'We work at home in our own studios, making beads, marbles or other glass objects one at a time. Patiently and carefully we strive for perfection in every object that we make. We are from the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Israel, Germany... all over the world!'
Beadmaking is a treasured hobby in my life. It is a source of relaxation as well as artistic expression. "
I hope you enjoy strolling through their shops today. Stop back here and drop a comment for them and you will be entered into my random May Giveaway: a set of earrings or custom-length bracelet.
Have fun today!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Good Sunday, everyone! Don't forget to visit the Crazy Train, featuring JanelsonArts today.
I want to say Happy Birthday to all the May babies. How lucky you are to be born with Emeralds as your birthstone (my 3d favorite stone, edged out by sapphires because it's so soft).
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
GreenMeanies photos, felt and other jewelry and housewares
KelliCraftStudio Greeting cards and jewelry
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
Katie says of the studio, ".......................................................................
Hi! I'm Katie, and this is my humble little ArtFire studio.
.......................................................................
I've always loved making things, and over the years I've learned a little bit about a LOT of art forms.
The variety of items in my shop is sure evidence of that!
Thanks SO much for stopping by. ENJOY!!!
......................................................................
Don't forget... I'll cover the shipping on just about every item here!
......................................................................"
And of herself, "Hello! I'm Katie. I'm a 20-something California girl enjoying this little life I've created for myself.
"I’m a life-long crafter born from a long line of other life-long crafters.
I’m a firm believer that there are no mistakes in art… or in life for that matter! Everything happens for a reason, you just have to be willing to find it, and make the most of it.
My all-time favorite color is green. I love to drink Diet Pepsi from the can through a straw. I also love Kyle, Mixie, and Dottie.
I’m the friendliest Meanie you’ll ever meet! Drop me a line if you have any questions about my shop, have an idea for a custom item, or just want to say hi!
................................................. "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kelli says, "Welcome to my little corner of the crafting world!
"My name is Kelli. When you care to give the very best, why not give a handcrafted paper gem to send that special message or a lovely, handcrafted piece of original design jewelry. All of my items are made with quality materials. I have created jewelry that can be spotted on women of all walks of life: secretary of a NYC CFO, teachers, stay at home mothers, librarians, directors of education, grandmothers, and college students.
Free envelopes are included with all cards.
Free gift packaging are included with all jewelry.
Thank you for looking at my shop!"
About herself, Kelli says, "Kelli Craft Studio began as a hobby. For over 30 years, I have been crafting items for family and friends. I began with crocheted clothes, dolls, and blankets. Later, I extended my interests to rubber stamping and paper crafts. Finally, I began to create jewelry through beading and wire work. During these 30 years, these crafting interests have merged to create unique items.
"After 30 years, I have decided to open my craft studio to the handmade market. Kelli Craft Studio is where art meets quality. Every item is made with care and attention to detail and uniqueness. Jewelry is made to order so there should never be a problem with sizing. Cards are made with quality card stock and embellishments. "
I hope you enjoy strolling through their shops today. Stop back here and drop a comment for them and you will be entered into my random May Giveaway: a set of earrings or custom-length bracelet.
Have fun today!
I want to say Happy Birthday to all the May babies. How lucky you are to be born with Emeralds as your birthstone (my 3d favorite stone, edged out by sapphires because it's so soft).
Today's West Coast Crafters are:
GreenMeanies photos, felt and other jewelry and housewares
KelliCraftStudio Greeting cards and jewelry
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
Katie says of the studio, ".......................................................................
Hi! I'm Katie, and this is my humble little ArtFire studio.
.......................................................................
I've always loved making things, and over the years I've learned a little bit about a LOT of art forms.
The variety of items in my shop is sure evidence of that!
Thanks SO much for stopping by. ENJOY!!!
......................................................................
Don't forget... I'll cover the shipping on just about every item here!
......................................................................"
And of herself, "Hello! I'm Katie. I'm a 20-something California girl enjoying this little life I've created for myself.
"I’m a life-long crafter born from a long line of other life-long crafters.
I’m a firm believer that there are no mistakes in art… or in life for that matter! Everything happens for a reason, you just have to be willing to find it, and make the most of it.
My all-time favorite color is green. I love to drink Diet Pepsi from the can through a straw. I also love Kyle, Mixie, and Dottie.
I’m the friendliest Meanie you’ll ever meet! Drop me a line if you have any questions about my shop, have an idea for a custom item, or just want to say hi!
................................................. "
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kelli says, "Welcome to my little corner of the crafting world!
"My name is Kelli. When you care to give the very best, why not give a handcrafted paper gem to send that special message or a lovely, handcrafted piece of original design jewelry. All of my items are made with quality materials. I have created jewelry that can be spotted on women of all walks of life: secretary of a NYC CFO, teachers, stay at home mothers, librarians, directors of education, grandmothers, and college students.
Free envelopes are included with all cards.
Free gift packaging are included with all jewelry.
Thank you for looking at my shop!"
About herself, Kelli says, "Kelli Craft Studio began as a hobby. For over 30 years, I have been crafting items for family and friends. I began with crocheted clothes, dolls, and blankets. Later, I extended my interests to rubber stamping and paper crafts. Finally, I began to create jewelry through beading and wire work. During these 30 years, these crafting interests have merged to create unique items.
"After 30 years, I have decided to open my craft studio to the handmade market. Kelli Craft Studio is where art meets quality. Every item is made with care and attention to detail and uniqueness. Jewelry is made to order so there should never be a problem with sizing. Cards are made with quality card stock and embellishments. "
I hope you enjoy strolling through their shops today. Stop back here and drop a comment for them and you will be entered into my random May Giveaway: a set of earrings or custom-length bracelet.
Have fun today!
Friday, May 1, 2009
West Coast Crafters #5
LaDeDaCreations is on the Crazy Train today. If you want a fun stroll through a studio, hers is the one! Not for the timid, by any means.
Congratulations to MeaCulpaBodyandBath who won my Blog Giveaway for April. Not too late, I have another for May! Just visit the blogged shops this month and leave a comment for the artisan on my blog regarding their work. Artisans like to hear what you liked best, so that's a good place to start.
ArtFire Sneakers had a lot of fun ambushing DontKnowPub. What was even better, Linda of the duo walked in as we were mid-ambush!
Today's West Coast Crafters are GemKitty75 and Goldenrod. Let's take a peek at their studios:
GemKitty is someone I know from the forums. She has gorgeous jewelry.
About her studio she says, "Unique, non-mass produced jewelry that is as special as you are! My personal touch and craftsmanship are combined with all of the beauty that Mother Earth provides us with. I use only quality beading wire and findings to ensure that the piece will last for years. Whenever possible, I support products produced in the USA (TierraCast findings, Soft Flex beading wire). Please browse and enjoy the scenery!! Thank you for viewing and/or selecting my jewelry pieces."
Of herself, "My love of gemstones began a few years ago. I started collecting, learning and growing to love the absolute beauty mother earth creates. About 2 years ago I ventured into making my own jewelry. The name GemKitty actually came from one of my cats, Munchie. Munchie loves the beads as much as I do and you can often find him nosing around my beading supplies and pulling at the beads. Mother of 1, Grandmother of 2 my family are my heart and soul. I love being able to share the pieces I make with my friends and family. Please browse my shop and send me comments even if you do not purchase. I love to hear what people think!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Goldenrod is a new studio to me. Let's go see:
Of the studio, Goldenrod says, "Whether it's fancy or funky, we strive to create beautiful high quality pieces that you will be proud to wear.
Try something out; you'll be glad you did! "
Of Goldenrod, "My mother and I have been making and selling jewelry together for several years now. It is just another way that she has been passing her creativity and love for fashion down to me."
So let's explore the studios of our guild members by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Congratulations to MeaCulpaBodyandBath who won my Blog Giveaway for April. Not too late, I have another for May! Just visit the blogged shops this month and leave a comment for the artisan on my blog regarding their work. Artisans like to hear what you liked best, so that's a good place to start.
ArtFire Sneakers had a lot of fun ambushing DontKnowPub. What was even better, Linda of the duo walked in as we were mid-ambush!
Today's West Coast Crafters are GemKitty75 and Goldenrod. Let's take a peek at their studios:
GemKitty is someone I know from the forums. She has gorgeous jewelry.
About her studio she says, "Unique, non-mass produced jewelry that is as special as you are! My personal touch and craftsmanship are combined with all of the beauty that Mother Earth provides us with. I use only quality beading wire and findings to ensure that the piece will last for years. Whenever possible, I support products produced in the USA (TierraCast findings, Soft Flex beading wire). Please browse and enjoy the scenery!! Thank you for viewing and/or selecting my jewelry pieces."
Of herself, "My love of gemstones began a few years ago. I started collecting, learning and growing to love the absolute beauty mother earth creates. About 2 years ago I ventured into making my own jewelry. The name GemKitty actually came from one of my cats, Munchie. Munchie loves the beads as much as I do and you can often find him nosing around my beading supplies and pulling at the beads. Mother of 1, Grandmother of 2 my family are my heart and soul. I love being able to share the pieces I make with my friends and family. Please browse my shop and send me comments even if you do not purchase. I love to hear what people think!!"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Goldenrod is a new studio to me. Let's go see:
Of the studio, Goldenrod says, "Whether it's fancy or funky, we strive to create beautiful high quality pieces that you will be proud to wear.
Try something out; you'll be glad you did! "
Of Goldenrod, "My mother and I have been making and selling jewelry together for several years now. It is just another way that she has been passing her creativity and love for fashion down to me."
So let's explore the studios of our guild members by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Monday, April 27, 2009
West Coast Crafters #4
Remember to take a ride on the Crazy Train: Today features BijouxDesigns and some beautiful items. Tell me which is your favorite on my blog and you may win a Swarovski Crystal earring pair or silver plated bracelet. The ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Guild is hosting a Spring Cleaning treasure hunt which began on the the 17th.
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
The next two studios on our roster are: Dragonsglass and EmilyGraceSuitcase.
Dragonsglass doesn't tell us much about herself or her studio. She does reveal that she is a stay at home mom of several fur babies.
Here are two items from her studio:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EmilyGraceSuitcase says, "This summer, some friends of mine will be riding their bikes across the US (from Florida to California) to raise awareness about what's going on in the Congo through an organization called Falling Whistles. During the month of April, 50% of all online sales will be donated toward making this trip a reality. Check out their blog at http://www.fallingwhistlesbiketour.com/
_______________________
Three experiments in more responsible production:
UNCHAINED- Jewelry made from fairtrade and ethically traded beads.
SALVAGE- Quirky jewelry and accessories made from recycled plastic grocery bags.
ATTIC- Jewelry and accessories reinvented mostly from vintage or broken jewelry.
WEBSITE: www.emilygracesuitcase.com"
"I am an artist and designer living in San Diego, California. While my first love is traveling and interacting with people around the world, I've always enjoyed creating new things. This is a way for me to combine those two interests, and fund my part-time job lifestyle so that I can continue to volunteer in my community. Please visit my website at emilygracesuitcase.com to find more information about my jewelry."
So let's explore the studios of our guild members of the guild by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
The next two studios on our roster are: Dragonsglass and EmilyGraceSuitcase.
Dragonsglass doesn't tell us much about herself or her studio. She does reveal that she is a stay at home mom of several fur babies.
Here are two items from her studio:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
EmilyGraceSuitcase says, "This summer, some friends of mine will be riding their bikes across the US (from Florida to California) to raise awareness about what's going on in the Congo through an organization called Falling Whistles. During the month of April, 50% of all online sales will be donated toward making this trip a reality. Check out their blog at http://www.fallingwhistlesbiketour.com/
_______________________
Three experiments in more responsible production:
UNCHAINED- Jewelry made from fairtrade and ethically traded beads.
SALVAGE- Quirky jewelry and accessories made from recycled plastic grocery bags.
ATTIC- Jewelry and accessories reinvented mostly from vintage or broken jewelry.
WEBSITE: www.emilygracesuitcase.com"
"I am an artist and designer living in San Diego, California. While my first love is traveling and interacting with people around the world, I've always enjoyed creating new things. This is a way for me to combine those two interests, and fund my part-time job lifestyle so that I can continue to volunteer in my community. Please visit my website at emilygracesuitcase.com to find more information about my jewelry."
So let's explore the studios of our guild members of the guild by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
West Coast Crafters Spotlights #3
Firstly, please let me apologize for not posting for 3 days. I had planned to take Friday off, and post on Saturday. For some reason I completed the post and navigated away from it before I saved it and in disgust, I went away to do housework, as it seemed less stressful :)
Remember to take a ride on the Crazy Train: Today features 3zArt and some beautiful items. Tell me which is your favorite on my blog and you may win a Swarovski Crystal earring pair or silver plated bracelet. The ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Guild is hosting a Spring Cleaning treasure hunt which began on the the 17th.
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
The next two studios on our roster are:
Bearchick and Craftnique. Bearchick says, "Bear Chick is taking a vacation with The Husband and The Mom. The shop will be back up on Sunday, April 26. Please visit then and see what treasures Bear Chick has to offer," so we'll visit her studio later in the month.
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Craftnique says of the studio, "Hello and welcome to my studio. Here you will find a little of this n that.
I like to think of it as a small gift shop where you will find a variety of handmade items.
Thank you for stopping by.
I will ship International just contact me for shipping information
http://www.facebook.com/pages/craftnique/67095135775?created
www.craftnique.etsy.com
www.craftnique.blogspot.com "
"I have a variety of creative hobbies,
decorative/tole painting, polymer clay, jewelery, paper, sewing, woodwork andnature, recycling to name a few!!.
I was lucky enough to grow up in a very creative family. We were always learning something new.
Creating is my therapy
I have a supportive husband, children and grandchildren that help out when I need them.
What a fun way to spend the day..
Please convo me if you have any questions
also at www.craftnique.etsy.com and www.craftnique.blogspot.com."
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Next in the roster is Crafty_Business. Of her studio she says, "Hi and welcome to Crafty Business -- where it's all about the sparkle. Okay, it's about color and beauty and originality too. I absolutely love sparkling crystal, so I feature genuine Swarovski crystal products. Grab some beads to create your own special design or check out our hand crafted pieces. But be sure to come back and visit often because I'll be adding to the inventory and changing things up as often as I can."
Inspired by many years of watching and helping my mother create a wide variety of crafts, I've always been fascinated by the beauty, fire and elegance of Swarovski crystals. When I began to bead more often, I found myself repeatedly being drawn back to the sparkling charm of crystals. So, in this my "second career", I offer quality, hand-crafted jewelry, as well as crystal and semi-precious beads for other artisans and designers.
My first love is the ocean but I find beauty just about everywhere I look!"
So let's explore the studios of our guild members of the guild by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Remember to take a ride on the Crazy Train: Today features 3zArt and some beautiful items. Tell me which is your favorite on my blog and you may win a Swarovski Crystal earring pair or silver plated bracelet. The ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Guild is hosting a Spring Cleaning treasure hunt which began on the the 17th.
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
The next two studios on our roster are:
Bearchick and Craftnique. Bearchick says, "Bear Chick is taking a vacation with The Husband and The Mom. The shop will be back up on Sunday, April 26. Please visit then and see what treasures Bear Chick has to offer," so we'll visit her studio later in the month.
`````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Craftnique says of the studio, "Hello and welcome to my studio. Here you will find a little of this n that.
I like to think of it as a small gift shop where you will find a variety of handmade items.
Thank you for stopping by.
I will ship International just contact me for shipping information
http://www.facebook.com/pages/craftnique/67095135775?created
www.craftnique.etsy.com
www.craftnique.blogspot.com "
"I have a variety of creative hobbies,
decorative/tole painting, polymer clay, jewelery, paper, sewing, woodwork andnature, recycling to name a few!!.
I was lucky enough to grow up in a very creative family. We were always learning something new.
Creating is my therapy
I have a supportive husband, children and grandchildren that help out when I need them.
What a fun way to spend the day..
Please convo me if you have any questions
also at www.craftnique.etsy.com and www.craftnique.blogspot.com."
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````
Next in the roster is Crafty_Business. Of her studio she says, "Hi and welcome to Crafty Business -- where it's all about the sparkle. Okay, it's about color and beauty and originality too. I absolutely love sparkling crystal, so I feature genuine Swarovski crystal products. Grab some beads to create your own special design or check out our hand crafted pieces. But be sure to come back and visit often because I'll be adding to the inventory and changing things up as often as I can."
Inspired by many years of watching and helping my mother create a wide variety of crafts, I've always been fascinated by the beauty, fire and elegance of Swarovski crystals. When I began to bead more often, I found myself repeatedly being drawn back to the sparkling charm of crystals. So, in this my "second career", I offer quality, hand-crafted jewelry, as well as crystal and semi-precious beads for other artisans and designers.
My first love is the ocean but I find beauty just about everywhere I look!"
So let's explore the studios of our guild members of the guild by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
West Coast Crafters Spotlights #2
Remember to take a ride on the Crazy Train: Today features 3zArt and some beautiful items. Tell me which is your favorite on my blog and you may win a Swarovski Crystal earring pair or silver plated bracelet. Only a few days left to decipher the cryptogram in the Easter Egg Hunt. And remember that the ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Guild will have a treasure hunt beginning on the 17th.
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
The next few of us in the alphabet are Alisuns (that's me!), AwakenJewelry Under Construction, and Beadwife.
Here is a recent blog about me that I did for the Crazy Train.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to Awaken Jewelry, and thank you for stopping by.
AwakenJewelry is currently under construction. Here is what the owner says, "Our studio is currently in development; please check back soon!
If you would like to be notified of when the shop will open in addition to other sales, promotimes, and offers that Awaken Jewelry will offer in the future, please send us your full name, birthday (month and day only), and e-mail address via Artfire.
One more thing; please check out our referral program located at the bottom of our policies. We are sure you will like the incentive.
God Bless You."
About herself, "Hi, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to visit my studio. My name is Leah and I am the artist behind Awaken Jewelry. This is my passion and my calling; to make jewelry to glorify God. I am Christian woman of 21 years old. I have two young children and a supportive husband. I have always been a creative person, even when I was a child, arts and crafts activities would be an everyday joy. Your jewelry is created in my smoke-free animal-free studio; and a portion of your purchase will be donated to our Charity.
Please take the time to visit my Artist Blog and Flickr because I love talking and sharing about myself! You will find my everyday joys and triumphs on my Blog and my absolute favorite pictures on Flickr. You will also find a wide variety of studio and work-related pictures that I hope you will enjoy.
http://awakenjewelry.wordpress.com
http://flickr.com/photos/awakenjewelry"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beadwife says, "I'm Kalera Stratton, a Portland, Oregon lampwork glass beadmaker. All the artisan lampwork beads you will see here are lovingly handmade in my studio, with painstaking attention to detail. My beads are annealed as I make them, going straight from torch to a digitally-controlled kiln. With lampworking experience since 1992 and a constant thirst to improve my skills, it is my goal to bring you beads that will delight your senses, enhance your designs, and last for generations to come."
Of herself, "I got my start making beads in early 1992, at the tender age of 21. My friend Jen had just learned how to make beads, and gave me a beadmaking demonstration in the kitchen of her apartment. I was addicted! Fortunately, my birthday was approaching; with the help of a gift certificate from my mom, I was able to purchase my very own Hot Head and an assortment of glass rods.
Keeping in mind that I had never taken a class, had never heard of the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers), and the soon-to-be-published seminal works of James Kervin and Cindy Jenkins were still but a twinkle in the eyes of their authors, it will be no surprise to you that my first few years making beads were spent fumbling in the dark. I didn't even know what the technique I was using was called! In 1995, some research on the Internet turned up information on "Lampwinding", and I at least had a name for what I was doing. I had been selling simple pendants and earrings made from my beads on a limited basis to friends and coworkers; I now got brave and approached a local gallery chain. My work was immediately accepted, and I started selling a few items a week consistently.
In 1996 I was able to special-order Jim Kervin's book "More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About Glass Beadmaking", and shortly after that, Cindy Jenkins' "Making Glass Beads". The quality of my beads improved dramatically! I also got my hands on a glass fusing kiln and, with the help of a year-long stint with a major art glass manufacturer, was able to enrich and expand my education about glass.
Fast forward to the present day. Instead of the small starter torch I had, I now work on a powerful Bethlehem Barracuda, and instead of cooling my beads in a can of vermiculite, I anneal in a digitally-controlled Fusebox 10 kiln! What a world of difference! Although I have STILL never taken a class, (and boy, I can think of several I'd like to take; there are some brilliant teachers out there!) association with other glass artists has opened my world to techniques beyond what I could have dreamed. A decade of more-or-less dabbling proved to be a solid foundation for my new thrust as a serious lampworker, and, a few months after the birth of my newest baby daughter, I left my retail career to earn my living with artisan glass - which brings me to the present.
Me and my kids live in our much-loved 1909 bungalow in Portland Oregon, along with a mellow Sheperd named Nikko, a Chug named Leda, a freewheeling cat named Sol Rosenburg, two parakeets, assorted foster-kittens, and a turtle named Wayne. My studio is set up in the newly-renovated garage... it's all mine! I finally have room to spread out and set up all my doohickeys and gadgets.
I am grateful for all the people and circumstances that led me to this point, because this is exactly where I want to be, and I am happy!
You can see more at my website at http://www.beadwife.com.
Thank you so much for visiting! "
So let's explore the studios of our guild members of the guild by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
The next few of us in the alphabet are Alisuns (that's me!), AwakenJewelry Under Construction, and Beadwife.
Here is a recent blog about me that I did for the Crazy Train.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Welcome to Awaken Jewelry, and thank you for stopping by.
AwakenJewelry is currently under construction. Here is what the owner says, "Our studio is currently in development; please check back soon!
If you would like to be notified of when the shop will open in addition to other sales, promotimes, and offers that Awaken Jewelry will offer in the future, please send us your full name, birthday (month and day only), and e-mail address via Artfire.
One more thing; please check out our referral program located at the bottom of our policies. We are sure you will like the incentive.
God Bless You."
About herself, "Hi, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to visit my studio. My name is Leah and I am the artist behind Awaken Jewelry. This is my passion and my calling; to make jewelry to glorify God. I am Christian woman of 21 years old. I have two young children and a supportive husband. I have always been a creative person, even when I was a child, arts and crafts activities would be an everyday joy. Your jewelry is created in my smoke-free animal-free studio; and a portion of your purchase will be donated to our Charity.
Please take the time to visit my Artist Blog and Flickr because I love talking and sharing about myself! You will find my everyday joys and triumphs on my Blog and my absolute favorite pictures on Flickr. You will also find a wide variety of studio and work-related pictures that I hope you will enjoy.
http://awakenjewelry.wordpress.com
http://flickr.com/photos/awakenjewelry"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Beadwife says, "I'm Kalera Stratton, a Portland, Oregon lampwork glass beadmaker. All the artisan lampwork beads you will see here are lovingly handmade in my studio, with painstaking attention to detail. My beads are annealed as I make them, going straight from torch to a digitally-controlled kiln. With lampworking experience since 1992 and a constant thirst to improve my skills, it is my goal to bring you beads that will delight your senses, enhance your designs, and last for generations to come."
Of herself, "I got my start making beads in early 1992, at the tender age of 21. My friend Jen had just learned how to make beads, and gave me a beadmaking demonstration in the kitchen of her apartment. I was addicted! Fortunately, my birthday was approaching; with the help of a gift certificate from my mom, I was able to purchase my very own Hot Head and an assortment of glass rods.
Keeping in mind that I had never taken a class, had never heard of the ISGB (International Society of Glass Beadmakers), and the soon-to-be-published seminal works of James Kervin and Cindy Jenkins were still but a twinkle in the eyes of their authors, it will be no surprise to you that my first few years making beads were spent fumbling in the dark. I didn't even know what the technique I was using was called! In 1995, some research on the Internet turned up information on "Lampwinding", and I at least had a name for what I was doing. I had been selling simple pendants and earrings made from my beads on a limited basis to friends and coworkers; I now got brave and approached a local gallery chain. My work was immediately accepted, and I started selling a few items a week consistently.
In 1996 I was able to special-order Jim Kervin's book "More Than You Ever Wanted To Know About Glass Beadmaking", and shortly after that, Cindy Jenkins' "Making Glass Beads". The quality of my beads improved dramatically! I also got my hands on a glass fusing kiln and, with the help of a year-long stint with a major art glass manufacturer, was able to enrich and expand my education about glass.
Fast forward to the present day. Instead of the small starter torch I had, I now work on a powerful Bethlehem Barracuda, and instead of cooling my beads in a can of vermiculite, I anneal in a digitally-controlled Fusebox 10 kiln! What a world of difference! Although I have STILL never taken a class, (and boy, I can think of several I'd like to take; there are some brilliant teachers out there!) association with other glass artists has opened my world to techniques beyond what I could have dreamed. A decade of more-or-less dabbling proved to be a solid foundation for my new thrust as a serious lampworker, and, a few months after the birth of my newest baby daughter, I left my retail career to earn my living with artisan glass - which brings me to the present.
Me and my kids live in our much-loved 1909 bungalow in Portland Oregon, along with a mellow Sheperd named Nikko, a Chug named Leda, a freewheeling cat named Sol Rosenburg, two parakeets, assorted foster-kittens, and a turtle named Wayne. My studio is set up in the newly-renovated garage... it's all mine! I finally have room to spread out and set up all my doohickeys and gadgets.
I am grateful for all the people and circumstances that led me to this point, because this is exactly where I want to be, and I am happy!
You can see more at my website at http://www.beadwife.com.
Thank you so much for visiting! "
So let's explore the studios of our guild members of the guild by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
West Coast Crafters Spotlights
Remember to take a ride on the Crazy Train: Today features AccessoriesbyGottJoy and some beautiful items. Tell me which is your favorite on my blog and you may win a Swarovski Crystal earring pair or silver plated bracelet. Only a few days left to decipher the cryptogram in the Easter Egg Hunt. And remember that the ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Guild will have a treasure hunt beginning on the 17th.
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
The first two of us in the alphabet are 1337Art and 99Lollipop.
Of the studio, 1337Art says, "Thank you so much for your visit! Please keep checking back as we will be adding a lot of new items.
Would you like to be signed up for our email mailing list for specials, discounts, and more? Please feel free to contact us or check out our blog for details:
http://elite-art.blogspot.com"
Of the artist, "The name "1337" is a modern play on the word "elite." The name 1337 Art is meant to demonstrate that a piece of jewelry is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a work of art. I love to create, to feel inspired, and to share my joys with you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Of the studio, 99Lollipop says, "Welcome to 99 Lollipop, a place where the time-honored traditions of hand knitting, embroidering and crafting are juxtaposed with a contemporary flair. While modern yarns and materials are incorporated into 99 Lollipop's unique items, we strive to respect and honor the beautiful vintage styles that never go out of fashion.
All of our work, unless otherwise noted, are the unique, one-of-a-kind creations of 99 Lollipop. Each piece is hand made and lovingly-crafted using only the highest quality materials. If you can't find what you're looking for in our catalog, don't worry! At 99 Lollipop we can turn your creative vision into a high-quality custom creation. We can also monogram or embellish any existing item to your specifications. Simply contact us for more information.
For more iems please visit our website at www.99lollipop.com"
Of the artisan, "Hello. My name is Rachel of 99Lollipop and by day I am a psychotherapist working part time with the homeless of Los Angeles and part time in private practice.
By night and every other spare minute I knit, knit, knit!!! I have dreamt for years of putting my unique, one of a kind items into the public marketplace and have finally made the leap.
My work is made with attention to detail, individual styling and love.
I enjoy doing custom made work and can embroider and or embellish just about anything. I specialize in beautiful handbags and hats, but also make scarfs, shawls, actually anything!
In addition I teach knitting and crocheting to individuals and groups. I am reasonabally priced and very patient (so don't hesitate to contact me if you are in the Los Angeles area and desire to learn this incredibly satisfying and rewarding skill).
***For further and more extensive examples of our work, please visit us at www.99lollipop.com"
So let's explore the studios of our guild members of the guild by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Here is a link to our West Coast Crafters guild roster.
The first two of us in the alphabet are 1337Art and 99Lollipop.
Of the studio, 1337Art says, "Thank you so much for your visit! Please keep checking back as we will be adding a lot of new items.
Would you like to be signed up for our email mailing list for specials, discounts, and more? Please feel free to contact us or check out our blog for details:
http://elite-art.blogspot.com"
Of the artist, "The name "1337" is a modern play on the word "elite." The name 1337 Art is meant to demonstrate that a piece of jewelry is not just a piece of jewelry; it's a work of art. I love to create, to feel inspired, and to share my joys with you."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Of the studio, 99Lollipop says, "Welcome to 99 Lollipop, a place where the time-honored traditions of hand knitting, embroidering and crafting are juxtaposed with a contemporary flair. While modern yarns and materials are incorporated into 99 Lollipop's unique items, we strive to respect and honor the beautiful vintage styles that never go out of fashion.
All of our work, unless otherwise noted, are the unique, one-of-a-kind creations of 99 Lollipop. Each piece is hand made and lovingly-crafted using only the highest quality materials. If you can't find what you're looking for in our catalog, don't worry! At 99 Lollipop we can turn your creative vision into a high-quality custom creation. We can also monogram or embellish any existing item to your specifications. Simply contact us for more information.
For more iems please visit our website at www.99lollipop.com"
Of the artisan, "Hello. My name is Rachel of 99Lollipop and by day I am a psychotherapist working part time with the homeless of Los Angeles and part time in private practice.
By night and every other spare minute I knit, knit, knit!!! I have dreamt for years of putting my unique, one of a kind items into the public marketplace and have finally made the leap.
My work is made with attention to detail, individual styling and love.
I enjoy doing custom made work and can embroider and or embellish just about anything. I specialize in beautiful handbags and hats, but also make scarfs, shawls, actually anything!
In addition I teach knitting and crocheting to individuals and groups. I am reasonabally priced and very patient (so don't hesitate to contact me if you are in the Los Angeles area and desire to learn this incredibly satisfying and rewarding skill).
***For further and more extensive examples of our work, please visit us at www.99lollipop.com"
So let's explore the studios of our guild members of the guild by visiting their shop and letting them know what's best about it.
Remember to note here what you found the most extraordinary so that you might win the earrings or bracelet (gentlemen, I have one for you as well....no earrings though. I haven't bought stud findings yet.).
I hope you enjoy today. Have fun!
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Thank you!
Yesterday was surely the wildest train ride I've had in awhile. I was surprised at the depth of everyone's commitment to promoting me and at the results: In all the time I've been on Google Analytics I've never reached 50 unique visitors in a day. Yesterday's unique visitors (which probably excludes anyone who researched to promote me) was 68. If you are anything like me, you did your research first thing Saturday morning, so I know I owe a big thanks to everyone who took time from their Holiday Weekend to my advantage. I posted statistics here.
Some of the promoting I witnessed (I have no doubt I missed a lot of it) came from:
PiratePixieCrew
HaffinaCreations
MNHPhotography
Catinalife
Shedesignsjewelry
ArtisanGoodsbyGayle
Amy Designs
Moonstone
BijouxDesignsForYou
PicardCreative
LibertyDoll
JewelrybySandy
JewelrybyJoy
SweetwaterDesigns
AKimberlyDesign
LaDeDaCreations
JanelsonArts
MyDoggieAndMe
TrinketsAndTreasures
JennuineCandles
CelseaLynnDesigns
ColtPixy
LilBritKnits
ItsAJewelryThing
SupplyCloset
AHolidayGift
KraftyLady
ElecticOddities
CreativeCritters
BrokenHallelujia
DanglesbyDiane
Crystals-by-Jess
LicaLee
Many of you I met for the first time yesterday. Thank you!
Posting today:
Dragonfly
Coltpixy
Suzbax
JennuineCandles
WooleyCreek
MeaCulpaBodyandBath
Jewelry by Joy
KickinsKreations
TheJewelryShop
SilverRiverJewelry
Some of the promoting I witnessed (I have no doubt I missed a lot of it) came from:
PiratePixieCrew
HaffinaCreations
MNHPhotography
Catinalife
Shedesignsjewelry
ArtisanGoodsbyGayle
Amy Designs
Moonstone
BijouxDesignsForYou
PicardCreative
LibertyDoll
JewelrybySandy
JewelrybyJoy
SweetwaterDesigns
AKimberlyDesign
LaDeDaCreations
JanelsonArts
MyDoggieAndMe
TrinketsAndTreasures
JennuineCandles
CelseaLynnDesigns
ColtPixy
LilBritKnits
ItsAJewelryThing
SupplyCloset
AHolidayGift
KraftyLady
ElecticOddities
CreativeCritters
BrokenHallelujia
DanglesbyDiane
Crystals-by-Jess
LicaLee
Many of you I met for the first time yesterday. Thank you!
Posting today:
Dragonfly
Coltpixy
Suzbax
JennuineCandles
WooleyCreek
MeaCulpaBodyandBath
Jewelry by Joy
KickinsKreations
TheJewelryShop
SilverRiverJewelry
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