Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Catfluff Depot is the next stop


on the artfie crazy train, http://www.artfire.com/users/catfluff. This shop is full of really cool, upcycled/recycled stuff and more goodies. One of my favorites is this cat shopping bag. I love cats and pockets on bags and this fits that bill. She has lots more goodies, so stop in and say hi and check out her shop.

Monday, April 27, 2009

Getting the artfire train back on schedule

So I have been gone for a week, visiting my first grandchild. Of course, he is the cuteset baby in the world and I don't like being 7 hours away from him, so I see a move in the future. LOL!

So, while I was gone, the stops on the train were:
WooleyCreek-Tribal and Ethnic jewelry. http://www.artfire.com/users/wooleycreek Really beautiful jewelry. I love to promote other seed beaders work because seed beads often get overlooked in the overall scheme of things and each beader has his (yes, there are some really good male beaders out there) or her own style when it comes to those itty bitty beads.

Creative Cove Jewelry-http://www.artfire.com/users/creativecovejewelrydesigns working from her studio in the beautiful state of Alaska, Creative Cove makes wonderful jewelry. I love her color and stone combinations. They are super!!

So now, the schedule is all caught up. The stop tomorrow will be a regularly scheduled stop. Are you in for a great surprise.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

The train keeps chugging along....











right to the SilverRiverJewelry studio. http://www.artfire.com/users/SilverRiverJewelry








There is some beautiful handcrafted, artsian jewelry in this studio. I love the Ohio Flint with Druzy Silver Belt Buckle.


That stone is beautiful-but then, I've always loved stones and cabachons.





She also has some beautiful wire crochet. I can crochet like the wind-with thread or yarn, but I don't think I would make much progress too fast with wire. I love this crocheted Copper Wire Victorian Look Bracelet. the black and cream cameo is so beautiful.



Sunday, April 19, 2009

Got soap????

You will after paying a visit to the Shine Your Hiney Soap studio on artfire. The soaps are as delightful and original as the studio name is

http://www.artfire.com/users/ShineYourHineySoap


This dragonfly soap is so beautiful and I can almost smell the tuberose scent.

My skin feels softer at the thought of this Aloe and Tea Tree Goats Milk Soap-doesn't yours? If you do have skin that is still dry from winter weather, check out the lotion that Pattie has.
Just make sure that you Shine Your Hiney today!!

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Time to get out and stretch your legs by...

taking a stroll through DJStoreroom Handmade Treasure.

If you like things made from vintage fabric, you are in the right place. DJStoreroom is full of little wristlets and zippered pouch purses, all made by a SAHM. The colors are so bright and cheery, you can't help but smile when you see them. these are 2 of my favorites

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This adorable little Lamb Mirror. That would look so cute in a little girls room-or a big girls room, too.

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Moving right along

Today's stop is 3zArt. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=12110She has the coolest home decor items!!!!! Everything from light plate switch covers, mousepads, lampshades to coasters. To showcase just a few was a hard decision, but I did it.My favorite light switch cover is this one. I guess because I love stars and outer space. My wallpaper on the home PC is Hubble Telescope pics.
Ok, here are links to my faves at 3zArt. I've been trying for over an hour to get pictures poted and have run out of patience. the sparkly, cool light switch cover is http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=188582 .


I love this colorful lampshade. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=20947

This blue Wave mousepad is a double favorite-it's my favorite color and it reminds me of where I grew up. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=86959

3zArt also has double and triple switch plates and switch plates for toggle switches too. It's amazing how just changing out those things in a room can give it a little shot in the arm. Easier and more economical than a coat of paint.

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Next stop......

is AccessoriesByGottJoy http://www.artfire.com/users/AccessoriesByGottjoy

Among some of the super cool things in this studio is the elegant Gold and Brown letter opener-a perfect gift for that hard to by for guy in your life. Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

This silver and lampwork wine bottle stopper is a great gift, too. I love lampwork and things made with lampwork. Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

There is so much more in Gottjoy's studio. I mean, she has ceiling fan pulls made with lamwork and other beads, beautiful lampwork and crystal jewelry. Stop in and see for yourself. I dare ya!! LOL!

Sunday, April 12, 2009

"Train kept a rollin"

One of my favorite lines from one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite bands-Aerosmith.
It perfectly describes the artfire train.
Our next stop on this scenic tour of the handmade world is Alisuns Artisan Studio. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=18031 One of the neatest pieces in her studio is http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=179055 - a knapped agate eagle necklace that would make a cool Father's Day gift. I love agates and this multi color eagel agate is gorgeous. Speaking of agates reminds me of jasper, which I also love and this jasper, moss agate and jade choker is beautiful. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=179037 just in time for Mothers Day, too. Alisuns is having a sale until Mothers Day. Check out her studio in the first link and you will see that all prices have been marked 15% off. If you live in the states, first class shipping is free, too. Not a bad deal at all. Alisuns studio also has a great custom piece that would make a great gift for grandma or mom. It's a 3 Generations Necklace or Bracelet. It's beautiful!! Made from your choice of Swarovski crystals in birthstone colors. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=58458 So why not hop off the train and stretch your legs in Alisuns shop.

Thursday, April 9, 2009

The next stop on the artifre train is....

the incredibly creative picardcreative. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=14355 I love these magnets she has designed. Some of them are sacastically funny, some are just hilarious. I love this Bette Davis one. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=127855 Reminds me of someone I used to know. LOL! Not only are these things funny as all get out, they are made from recycled/upcycled materials. Next time you are thinking about sending a card to somebody, think again and send one of these magnets. Costs the same (or less) than a card, is better for the enviroment and will last a whole lot longer.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Rolling along on the artfire train

Next stop on the artifre train is TheJewelryShop- http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=20593 . I love vintage jewelry and Amy has some great pieces in her artfire studio. I love these Green Faceted Czech Beads. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=133365 I can remember seeing assorted aunts and teachers wearing different colors of this necklace when I was a kid.

Amy and a couple of family memebers also handcraft gorgeous jewelry like this Malachite Bracelet. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=174113 Stop in and have a look around the studio-you will enjoy it.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Caterpillar Peacock

The 2nd stop on the Artfire advertising train is http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=24678 -Caterpillar Peacock's studio. She does needle fleting and it's neat. My favorite thing in her studio is her needle felted Calla Lily Brooch http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=148975 To me, it has a great vintage look to it. I love vintage looking things. She has some other needle felted jewelry in her studio, and also has some adorable little teeny tiny berets and fedoras. Click that link to her shop and stop in and check it out.

Remember, when you buy handmade, you are buying something original and unique.

BTW, I'm off tomorrow and since I don't have net access at home, this post is a day early.

Why Handmade goods are important

I wanted to sort of editorialize about handmade goods before I go any farther with the Artfire advertising train.

So much of society has gotten used to running to the local huge discount store and getting whatever they need in close to an instant, that they have forgotten about the creativity and love that go into handmade goods. When you run into that huge superstore and buy a gift, you forget that 10,000 other people, or more, have the same item. I grew up in an era where individuality was important, not mass produced clone clothes, toys or other stuff. I've always marched to my own drummer-especailly when it comes to fashion. I wear what I like and what's comfortable-not what's "in". My son once called my style "hippie surfer flower child chic". ( I will admit that I was thrilled when bell bottoms came back in style. LOL! )

There is a huge movement of people making handmade items now-everything from little baby hats, to jewelry to funiture and everything else in between. For the vast majority of those of us who create unique, one of a kind things, we do it because we love it. Great care is put into each piece from creating a design to selecting color and material. Many people are now choosing to be organic as possible with their materials. It is then made with much attention to detail. All this results in a fantastic product that you will not see on somebody when you run to your kids school for something or anywhere else you go when you run errands.

Yes, sometimes handmade also means a little more money. Didn't your mama ever tell you that you get what you pay for? A handmade product is bound to last much longer than a mass produced one because people make better things than machines do. It's worth the little extra money. Yes, I know there is shipping and handling. It isn't that much unless you order a 200 lb. chair from somebody. Besides, with the economy now, a lot of people who make small , easily packaged things are offering reduced shipping or even free shipping. Since I sell online, I've started buying more online. One thing I have noticed-shipping costs are less than the cost of gas it would take me to run around looking for that "whatever" I am looking for.

So, the next time you need that special gift for that special person or pet in your life, look at some of the handmade selling venues first. Artfire is great, etsy is good and there are others-silkfair, indiepublic, etc.. (I'm not talking about that huge yard sale they call Ebay/feebay.) You can sit back, chill with the beverage of your choice in the comfort of your own domicile and shop till you drop without going anywhere. Try it, I think you will like it.

Artfire advertising train

Over on artfire, a seller named picardcreative, came up with a cool idea for an advertising train. What this means is that a bunch of shops have signed up to blog, twitter, plurk, Facebook and whatever else about the chosen shop,. Each shop gets 2 days of everybody on the train, blooging, etc., about them. I thought it was a neat idea-hey, free advertising is great advertising, so I signed up, too.

The first shop is http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&seller_id=10174 -PixiePirateCrew. I love her stuff. Since I'm a first time grandma, these hats, /http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=62036 ,http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=162631 appeal to me for the new grandson, as did these cute baby leg warmers. Don't get me wrong, she's got neat grown up stuff, too. This http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=163649 beret is neat and she has more, too. Click a link and visit her shop-you might find something you really need to have-especially if you live where it's still winter.