Posts
Usually by this time (October) I've started Christmas shopping. I don't know what's happened this year, maybe the nice weather, but I'm really slow! So I thought I would start looking for some things that might be nice to give away, or to have for myself. The idea of a couple of "Wish List" posts seemed like a good one. Because I'm now on both Etsy and ArtFire, I will post items from both shops, though this week is Etsy. Just click on the picture to go to the listing/shop!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Blog Love
My blog received this wonderful award from
A Hen's Nest, an amazing blog that Henrietta updates daily, and has the greatest links on the sidebar! I love to visit this blog!! And she is so helpful - Henrietta helped me with some things I wanted to do on my blog. What a lovely person with a lovely blog, I'm honored to receive this award from her.
Here are the rules for the Over the Top Award:
Copy and change the answers to suit you and pass it on. It’s quite tricky to use only one-word answers! Once you have filled it out be sure to pass it on to 6 of your favorite bloggers. Alert them that they have been awarded! Have fun!
One word answers have got to be the hardest - but here goes:
1. Where is your cell phone? Bus
2. Your hair? Long
3. Your mother? Yep
4. Your father? Yep
5. Your favorite food? Breakfast
6. Your dream last night? None
7. Your favorite drink? Coffee
8. Your dream/goal? Retirement
9. What room are you in? Office
10. Your hobby? Painting
11. Your fear? Mice
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? Here
13. Where were you last night? Home
14. Something that you aren’t? Maid
15. Muffins? Bran
16. Wish list item? kitchen
17. Where did you grow up? Manitoba
18. Last thing you did? Shower
19. What are you wearing? Clothes
20. Your TV? JVC
21. Your pets? Dog
22. Friends? Great
23. Your life? OK
24. Your mood? Hopeful
25. Missing someone? Grandpa
26. Vehicle? Dodge
27. Something you’re not wearing? SOCKS
28. Your favorite store? Michaels
29. Your favorite color? Red
30. When was the last time you laughed? yesterday
31. Last time you cried? funeral
32. Your best friend? Hubby
33. One place that I go to over and over? Work
34. One person who emails me regularly? Friend
35. Favorite place to eat? Montana's
Ok - that wasn't as hard as I thought it would be!! Here are the 6 Wonderful Blogs I'm passing this award to:
The Empty Nest
Christie Cottage
All Things Tangled
Prim Country Farms
Little Studio Photography and Jewellery
Splendid Little Stars
Sunday, September 27, 2009
The Healing Seed
The Healing Seed is an amazing, totally unique shop on Etsy. The verses/words and painting behind them is wonderful! I don't think I could pick a favorite from this shop, there are so many sayings I would love to hang in my house. Here is what John says about himself and his art:
I am a Scot, although I have lived in the Canary Islands for 5 years. I love both my homelands and of course please use my first name, John. I don't believe in this Mr.. as it creates a barrier. Life is about getting barriers down between people not putting them up. I am currently working on my BLOG it should be ready by September.
When did you start painting?
Ever since I can remember I have desire to make people feel better about themselves. And through art I have been able to hopefully do that. My partner is an Artist and she encouraged me to share my words in art form which I started in April 2009.
Where do you paint? What does your space look like? What would you love to add to it?
I work from home, fortunately we have a large kitchen which is where I love to work, however inspiration can come at any time so it always pays to have either a very good memory or a pen and paper handy. There is nothing I would add, rather in the future sometime to have studio looking out over the mountains and sea. No spare room for that at the moment.
Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I also provide tarot readings which I am in the process of adding to my shop.
What or who inspires you?
Life inspires me, by life I mean I could be walking the dog and see nature at work, or simple people watching. Probably though most importantly it is life experience, a thought,a memory or a feeling.
Do you have a day job?
My day job is running my finance business with my sons who I can rely on completely, this allows me time for my own work.
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I have greatly enjoyed creating every item, words and color. Probably the one which is most important to me and reflects who I choose to be is 'The Healing Prayer'!
I am a Scot, although I have lived in the Canary Islands for 5 years. I love both my homelands and of course please use my first name, John. I don't believe in this Mr.. as it creates a barrier. Life is about getting barriers down between people not putting them up. I am currently working on my BLOG it should be ready by September.
When did you start painting?
Ever since I can remember I have desire to make people feel better about themselves. And through art I have been able to hopefully do that. My partner is an Artist and she encouraged me to share my words in art form which I started in April 2009.
Where do you paint? What does your space look like? What would you love to add to it?
I work from home, fortunately we have a large kitchen which is where I love to work, however inspiration can come at any time so it always pays to have either a very good memory or a pen and paper handy. There is nothing I would add, rather in the future sometime to have studio looking out over the mountains and sea. No spare room for that at the moment.
Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I also provide tarot readings which I am in the process of adding to my shop.
What or who inspires you?
Life inspires me, by life I mean I could be walking the dog and see nature at work, or simple people watching. Probably though most importantly it is life experience, a thought,a memory or a feeling.
Do you have a day job?
My day job is running my finance business with my sons who I can rely on completely, this allows me time for my own work.
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I have greatly enjoyed creating every item, words and color. Probably the one which is most important to me and reflects who I choose to be is 'The Healing Prayer'!
Friday, September 25, 2009
Look What I've Been Up To!!
Ok - I think 150 pounds of apples might be too much for me!! LOL To late now. I managed to make 17 quart jars of apple sauce on Tuesday, used 30 pound of the apples. It might sound like a lot of work, but I have this handy dandy contraption that takes a lot of the work out of making sauce. Just boil the apples till they are soft (cores, peel, stems included)- put it all through the Victorio Strainer, gunk out one end, sauce out the other! Amazing!!
Will be making apples sauce from another 60 pounds, the rest will become cut up apples for the freezer, muffins and pies. Whew!!
Everyone knows I love to enter give aways - I won another one. These amazing cards are from Devyn Larson Designs. They are more beautiful in real! I love the colors and designs, it's going to be hard to part with them!
I entered a give away to win some bookmarks and a book weight. Didn't win - so I bought some!! (there are two corner markers) I also ordered this cute little wallet that is the perfect size for my business cards. Rhonda's shop is Lil' Bit Sassy. She was so sweet - made the bookmarks and book weight in fabric that I got to pick from her amazing stash! You should see all the choices - it's AMAZING!!
Friday morning as I was getting the bus ready for the run (cleaning the very dusty windows) Logan came running out - the neighbor called. Our dog and her dog had 4 raccoons trapped up on one of the hydro poles on our driveway. So off we go with the camera!! Aren't they cute?
We managed to get Rascal back to the yard and locked her up till I got home later. The neighbor took her dog home too. The raccoons were gone by the time I got home 2.5 hours later.
If you haven't entered the give aways yet - please check them out, the links are on the right sidebar close to the top. Also feel free to read about the Christmas Decoration/Ornament Swap I'm hosting (link on the right too), and by all means - join!!
Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!
Will be making apples sauce from another 60 pounds, the rest will become cut up apples for the freezer, muffins and pies. Whew!!
Everyone knows I love to enter give aways - I won another one. These amazing cards are from Devyn Larson Designs. They are more beautiful in real! I love the colors and designs, it's going to be hard to part with them!
I entered a give away to win some bookmarks and a book weight. Didn't win - so I bought some!! (there are two corner markers) I also ordered this cute little wallet that is the perfect size for my business cards. Rhonda's shop is Lil' Bit Sassy. She was so sweet - made the bookmarks and book weight in fabric that I got to pick from her amazing stash! You should see all the choices - it's AMAZING!!
Friday morning as I was getting the bus ready for the run (cleaning the very dusty windows) Logan came running out - the neighbor called. Our dog and her dog had 4 raccoons trapped up on one of the hydro poles on our driveway. So off we go with the camera!! Aren't they cute?
We managed to get Rascal back to the yard and locked her up till I got home later. The neighbor took her dog home too. The raccoons were gone by the time I got home 2.5 hours later.
If you haven't entered the give aways yet - please check them out, the links are on the right sidebar close to the top. Also feel free to read about the Christmas Decoration/Ornament Swap I'm hosting (link on the right too), and by all means - join!!
Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!
Becca's Bead Creations Give Away
AND THE WINNER IS!!
Erin!
Congratulations!!
Thanks to everyone who entered.Erin!
Congratulations!!
Becca's Bead Creations is an amazing jewelry shop on Etsy. Everything in Becca's shop is so unique and beautiful! She has had her shop on Etsy since July, 2008 and resides in Manchester, New Hampshire. Becca has made an amazing pendant as the Give Away Prize, but before we get to that - why don't we learn more about Becca!
How did you decide on your shop name?
I decided on the name Becca's Bead Creations because I am proud of the items I create and wanted to shout to the world, this is what I do.
When did you start making/designing jewelry?
I started making jewelry while I was in high school by making my own hemp jewelry because it was the in thing to do. After I started I just couldn't stop, I made all my own jewelry and then started making it for my friends. During college I started attending craft fairs and expanding the type of jewelry that I made. I now wire wrap pendants, and work with semi-precious stones. I decided to start my own business about a year ago so I could fund my hobby.
Where do you design/create? What would you love to add to your space?
My husband and I were recently fortunate enough to purchase a home and I now have a craft room where I work. I have made it my own haven. I am an avid Red Sox fan and have covered one whole wall in baseball photographs. The window overlooks the yard and lets in a large amount of light, allowing me to sit and daydream up new creations.
What does your crafting space look like? Do you have a picture?
My crafting space is messy, unorganized and needs more shelves.
What or who inspires you?I get inspiration from everywhere. For example, one of my summer jobs during college was picking peas on a farm stand. I loved the way the peas looked inside the pod. So I wrapped three pearls making them look like three little peas in a pod.
Do you have a day job?
I do have a day job, I am a paralegal at a law office.
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
The item I most enjoyed creating are my necklaces with the Japanese Five Yen Pieces. In the Japanese culture the Five Yen Piece is good karma or good luck. I love the thought that one of my creations will bring someone good luck.
NOW FOR THE GIVE AWAY!
Becca has made this beautiful Pendant for the Give Away. This creamy fresh water cultured pearl is sitting snugly wrapped in argentium silver. The pendant measures 1 7/8 of an inch long and 3/8 of an inch wide.
Here are the Rules to enter the Give Away.
Use the Graphic Link Below to enter.
Please fill out a SEPARATE form for each Entry!
THIS GIVE AWAY IS NOW CLOSED!!
* For the first entry - Go to: Becca's Bead Creations
Pick your favorite item and come back here with the link.
* 1 extra entry - blog about the give away, and leave a link.
* 1 extra entry - grab my button on the sidebar and add it to your blog, let me know
* 1 extra entry - twitter about this contest with a link, let me know where
You can twitter this:
@audreyscrafts Win a Beautiful Handmade Pendant: http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/2009/09/beccas-bead-creations.html
*1 extra entry for each of my other give aways you enter - just comment telling me which one you entered.
* 5 extra entries - purchase something from the shop - leave me a comment telling me what you purchased and a link to the invoice.
The draw will take place on: October 12, 2009 at 10PM Central
Good Luck Everyone!!
***********************************************
Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prize. After the name is drawn I will contact that person. They have 3 days to respond before another name will be picked! The name and address will be forwarded.
Thank-you for entering!!
Comments do not count as entries!
Please use link above!!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Megs Bags
Meg's Bags has been on Etsy since last October. What an amazing shop!! Megan has the most wonderful bags, sandwich/snack bags, goodie bags, kitchen items and much more!! Megan is from Saint Leonard Maryland, its' in Calvert County. She also has a great BLOG that is updated on a regular basis. Please check out Megan's blog and shop!
How did you decide on your shop name?
Me and my mom decided on my shop's name. She wanted to bring my bags to her work to help me sell them and we needed a name. She came up with Megs Bags and it just stuck.
When did you start sewing?
I have been sewing ever since I was a little girl. My Nana taught me to sew when I was very little. While I must admit I wasn't allowed behind a machine until I was around 8 or 9. Most of my skill came from her or my mother... and other skills I just figured out as I went along.
Where do you craft?What would you love to add
to your crafting space?
At the moment I have a studio set up in the upstairs of my parents garage. But that will soon have to be moved to my college apartment... I honestly don't know how well that is going to work... So the one thing I would add- Space.
What does your sewing space look like?
Its a mess... I like to have all my material out in front of me so I can see what I have... so it tends to be messy. It really gets on my moms nerves.
Why did you start your business?
I started my business just as a hobby. I just had a google site and sold them to friends and family. Then I realized it could be more. I opened and Etsy shop and created a blog, with higher hopes. I hope to earn money for college thru this. If not enough for tuition at least some for food and books :0)
What or who inspires you?
Anything inspires me. Sometimes I see someone walking around with a cute bag, then I'll go home and try to make my own version. Sometimes I just start making a bag and whatever happens happens.
Do you have a day job?
Nope, no day job... (I planned on getting a summer job but I was away to much and no one would hire me for the month i was home!) Although as soon as I get to school I have to get one.
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I like making all my items. But if I had to pick one it would be my tooth fairy pillows. To me they are just adorable! And there fun to make because you can get really creative because they are for children.
How did you decide on your shop name?
Me and my mom decided on my shop's name. She wanted to bring my bags to her work to help me sell them and we needed a name. She came up with Megs Bags and it just stuck.
When did you start sewing?
I have been sewing ever since I was a little girl. My Nana taught me to sew when I was very little. While I must admit I wasn't allowed behind a machine until I was around 8 or 9. Most of my skill came from her or my mother... and other skills I just figured out as I went along.
Where do you craft?What would you love to add
to your crafting space?At the moment I have a studio set up in the upstairs of my parents garage. But that will soon have to be moved to my college apartment... I honestly don't know how well that is going to work... So the one thing I would add- Space.
What does your sewing space look like?
Its a mess... I like to have all my material out in front of me so I can see what I have... so it tends to be messy. It really gets on my moms nerves.
Why did you start your business?
I started my business just as a hobby. I just had a google site and sold them to friends and family. Then I realized it could be more. I opened and Etsy shop and created a blog, with higher hopes. I hope to earn money for college thru this. If not enough for tuition at least some for food and books :0)
What or who inspires you?
Anything inspires me. Sometimes I see someone walking around with a cute bag, then I'll go home and try to make my own version. Sometimes I just start making a bag and whatever happens happens.
Do you have a day job?Nope, no day job... (I planned on getting a summer job but I was away to much and no one would hire me for the month i was home!) Although as soon as I get to school I have to get one.
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I like making all my items. But if I had to pick one it would be my tooth fairy pillows. To me they are just adorable! And there fun to make because you can get really creative because they are for children.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
A Few Reminders
Yesterday I purchased 150 pounds of apples to make apple sauce and apple pies. Should keep me busy for the next while! Today I'll be making apple sauce from 30 pounds of apples, the rest will wait till the weekend, they were just picked on Sunday and are still a bit green. So todays post is a quick on with some reminders of great things happening on the internet!!
If you need some very affordable exposure for your shop - this is definitely the place to be. It's $10/yr, and the site is advertising like crazy!! Please check it out.
I've joined this wonderful Shop Swap & Blog. At the end of the month everyone who signed up will be paired with someone and you send them a product or two from your shop (they will do the same), then you blog about it! This should be a lot of fun, plus free promotion is always nice. LOL
Please sign up to get a Christmas Post Card in the mail during the holidays!! I purchased 100 of them and would love to send you one!
Last but definitely not least! Here is the link to my "Christmas Ornament/Decoration Swap". Check it out, there is a list of the shops that have signed up so far - please come join the fun!! The last day to sign on is October 15!
That's it for today!! Off to drive the school bus, then make quarts and quarts of apple sauce!
Oh - almost forgot!! Please enter the give aways posted at the top right sidebar! Whew - that was close!
If you need some very affordable exposure for your shop - this is definitely the place to be. It's $10/yr, and the site is advertising like crazy!! Please check it out.
I've joined this wonderful Shop Swap & Blog. At the end of the month everyone who signed up will be paired with someone and you send them a product or two from your shop (they will do the same), then you blog about it! This should be a lot of fun, plus free promotion is always nice. LOL
Please sign up to get a Christmas Post Card in the mail during the holidays!! I purchased 100 of them and would love to send you one!
Last but definitely not least! Here is the link to my "Christmas Ornament/Decoration Swap". Check it out, there is a list of the shops that have signed up so far - please come join the fun!! The last day to sign on is October 15!
That's it for today!! Off to drive the school bus, then make quarts and quarts of apple sauce!
Oh - almost forgot!! Please enter the give aways posted at the top right sidebar! Whew - that was close!
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Elenora Marchi
Ele0nora Marchi is a wonderful shop that offers clothing, jewelry and bags. What a great shop!! Elenora is from Florence Italy, and has had her shop on Etsy since November. She is offering FREE SHIPPING if you mention "BLOG FEATURE" at checkout. Please check out this amazing shop!!
How did you decide on your shop name?
It's just my name..^_^,,but i'm thinking to open my second one,,in this case I'll chose a more inspiring name!
When did you start crafting?
I was a baby and I loved to sew for my dolls, for me and to make every manual art,,,I remember that i tried to make even some hat and some shoes..anyway my first approach with art was oil painting that is always an important part of my life... then I've studied at University for becoming a costume designer..now i can say that i'm completly involved with art!
Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I'm always searching for some new ideas and project, I love to learn more and more,,in this period i'm creating fascinators, testing new materials,,
I'm also wondering in the toy camera's world ^_^,,I'll put new items in my shop very soon.
What or who inspires you?
Everything around me,,people, places, situations, colors..'cause everything leave something in my mind and all of these things come back when i'm creating :D
Do you have a day job?
Not yet but i'm having half of my days following stages.
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
Everything in the shop have a story and leave something special in me, I always start to create something but many times i really don't know how it will end..ideas come making..:D
How did you decide on your shop name?
It's just my name..^_^,,but i'm thinking to open my second one,,in this case I'll chose a more inspiring name!
When did you start crafting?
I was a baby and I loved to sew for my dolls, for me and to make every manual art,,,I remember that i tried to make even some hat and some shoes..anyway my first approach with art was oil painting that is always an important part of my life... then I've studied at University for becoming a costume designer..now i can say that i'm completly involved with art!
Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I'm always searching for some new ideas and project, I love to learn more and more,,in this period i'm creating fascinators, testing new materials,,
I'm also wondering in the toy camera's world ^_^,,I'll put new items in my shop very soon.
What or who inspires you?
Everything around me,,people, places, situations, colors..'cause everything leave something in my mind and all of these things come back when i'm creating :D
Do you have a day job?Not yet but i'm having half of my days following stages.
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
Everything in the shop have a story and leave something special in me, I always start to create something but many times i really don't know how it will end..ideas come making..:D
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Look What I Found!!
Before I get to what I've found on the net this week - I have to show you what Logan found!! This year Logan is in Grade 12, and because he was in the vocational program as well as the regular school program, he is now a Level One Diesel Mechanic Apprentice. So that means he can work at the local John Deere dealership when he's not in school, and get school credit for it plus get paid!! We managed to work it out so that Logan would have 3 classes in the morning this semester, then work in the afternoons. So he decided that he needed a vehicle to get from school to work at lunch, then get back home after work. This is Logan's "new" little truck! (2002 Chevy S-10). Isn't it cute?!
Last week I received an Invitation to Join a "Shop Swap & Blog". What a wonderful idea!! What's happening is: You sign up to swap a product or products from you shop with someone else, then when the packages are received, we blog about them and promote the shop!! It's a great way to get some positive feed back and promotion! Here is the link to sign up (you have till the end of the month):
If you have been to my blog before you know how much I enjoy entering Give Aways!! Sometime I even get lucky enough to win. This arrived in the mail on Wednesday. It's a serving/cutting board from Sowabisabi. The board is wonderful (really love the card too!), and I'm so impressed with their shop and the wonderful items they have that I asked if I could do a feature on their shop and they agreed! So look for that in December, but please check out their shop now!!
I've entered this wonderful give away! I love Momma B's painting, and actually have painted some of the same items. The Give Away can be found at Momma B's Blog. Please take the time to check out her on-line shop at Momma B's Front Porch Crafts & Prims where she has a wonderful selection of just beautifully painted items!
If you haven't already entered the Give Away's I'm hosting, Please check them out at the top right hand sidebar! Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!
Also Please check out my Christmas Ornament Swap 2 posts down!!
Last week I received an Invitation to Join a "Shop Swap & Blog". What a wonderful idea!! What's happening is: You sign up to swap a product or products from you shop with someone else, then when the packages are received, we blog about them and promote the shop!! It's a great way to get some positive feed back and promotion! Here is the link to sign up (you have till the end of the month):
If you have been to my blog before you know how much I enjoy entering Give Aways!! Sometime I even get lucky enough to win. This arrived in the mail on Wednesday. It's a serving/cutting board from Sowabisabi. The board is wonderful (really love the card too!), and I'm so impressed with their shop and the wonderful items they have that I asked if I could do a feature on their shop and they agreed! So look for that in December, but please check out their shop now!!
I've entered this wonderful give away! I love Momma B's painting, and actually have painted some of the same items. The Give Away can be found at Momma B's Blog. Please take the time to check out her on-line shop at Momma B's Front Porch Crafts & Prims where she has a wonderful selection of just beautifully painted items!
If you haven't already entered the Give Away's I'm hosting, Please check them out at the top right hand sidebar! Hope everyone has an awesome weekend!!
Also Please check out my Christmas Ornament Swap 2 posts down!!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Susan Rodio
Susan Rodio Art is an amazing painting shop on Etsy. Susan has the most beautiful fairy paintings!! She carries prints, mini prints, cards, bookmarks and more, all featuring her wonderful fairies!
When did you start crafting/painting?
I started drawing a lot when I was 4 - 5 years of age and when I was in kindergarden I recall really looking forward to and enjoying the drawing part of the day, it really seem ed to become a bit of an obsession, I just kept drawing and then started experimenting with different paints and eventually went to art college after high school, so I was always drawing and painting its been a major part of my life.
Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I've been through many phases with my creativity a few years back I was making collaged greeting cards, very detailed with lots of cute sparkly bits on them, I had a little business with that selling them to boutique retails stores in my area, I did that for a couple of years but then I felt the need to start painting again which is my sole focus now. I have also experimented with sculpture, etching, silk screen printing and photography, but my main passion is painting.
I started drawing a lot when I was 4 - 5 years of age and when I was in kindergarden I recall really looking forward to and enjoying the drawing part of the day, it really seem ed to become a bit of an obsession, I just kept drawing and then started experimenting with different paints and eventually went to art college after high school, so I was always drawing and painting its been a major part of my life.
Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I've been through many phases with my creativity a few years back I was making collaged greeting cards, very detailed with lots of cute sparkly bits on them, I had a little business with that selling them to boutique retails stores in my area, I did that for a couple of years but then I felt the need to start painting again which is my sole focus now. I have also experimented with sculpture, etching, silk screen printing and photography, but my main passion is painting.
What or who inspires you?
Nature, is the main thing, all the details in nature like the effects of ripples in the sea, the sky, sunsets, leaves trees and animals as well as mythology, folklore, the unseen realms, astrology and dreams.
Do you have a day job?
Yes I work part time in a large office with over 100 staff as a Receptionist and Administration assistant.
Yes I work part time in a large office with over 100 staff as a Receptionist and Administration assistant.
Where are you from?
Beautiful Sydney, Australia. I live very close to the water which inspires a lot of my mermaid paintings.
Beautiful Sydney, Australia. I live very close to the water which inspires a lot of my mermaid paintings.
Do you have a blog?
My blog is http://susanrodio.blogspot.com I update it when I have completed a new painting of have some exciting art news.
My blog is http://susanrodio.blogspot.com I update it when I have completed a new painting of have some exciting art news.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Christmas Ornament/Decoration Swap!!
I will be pairing everyone up over the next few days. Hopefully emailing everyone their swap partners by the 20th!! Thanks so the 94 people who joined the swap!!
I know - it's still 3.5 months till Christmas, but I've started painting ornaments and decorations to add to my shop, and all of a sudden I had the urge to start a Christmas Ornament/Decoration Swap!! Every year I buy Christmas decorations and ornaments at the local Fair Trade Store, but thought it might be nice to swap handmade items this year!!
Here is how it will work:
1) Decide how many people you would like to swap with: 1 or 2
2) Will you ship Internationally?
3) Fill out the form below (click on graphic)
4) Make the decoration/ornaments: make one or a set, should be worth at least $10 (some shops participating might have high end Christmas items)
5) Must be mailed by November 15th!!
It's that easy!! Swap Entries will Close on Oct. 15th, so that everyone has time to make and mail the ornaments/decorations. Hopefully we all receive them before Christmas and can display them on our trees and in our houses!!
If you are joining the swap and have a blog - feel free to add the button on the sidebar to your blog! The more Swappers - the better!!
Shops Signed Up!!
Karen's Ornaments
Clayworks by Lisa Boucher
Red Red Completely Red
Prim Country Farm
Justine's Originals
LJoker 55
Structured Chaos
Judi Painted It
Julie Ellen
Wee Willy Whimsies
Art by Ally
Robin Harley Porcelain Art and Graphic Design
Three Seventeen
Cool Tricks
Cherry Designs Inc
B. A. Kid Again
Grah-Toe Studio
Snips & Snails
Hermann Ornaments
Catnip Studio Too
Station 1528
Lucy's Cupboard
Elvie's Boutique
Kelly's Clay Creations
Momma B's Front Porch
Faith Lady
Beiwe
Ornament Alley
Lisianblue
Krafty Lady
New Again
Sugar Creek Hollow
2 Bead or Not 2 Bead
Miss Knits
Beach Comber Crafts
Wild Animus
One Creative Queen
Sew Suzanne
Pamela Jean's Knitting Garden
Dovely Sells
Felt Sew Good
Wire Storm Creations
Pro Spark Studio
Design Ole
Rose Tree Creations
Rocky Mt Beader
3 Gen Designs
Little Red Hen & Charmed Notions
Carlee Glass
Baskets by Rose
Kimberly Creations
Altered Beauty
Crafts by Lynn
Your Way Embroidery
Eggcellent Designs
Kid'n Around Creations
The Ornamentality
Desperate Necessities
Witch Hollow Primitives
Crayon Princess
Cottage in the Sun
Sky Blue Pink Charmers
Rwen Creations
Denise's Kountry Patch
Kelley's Crafty Gifts
Stained Glass by Suzanne Ryan
Nature Favors
Audrey's Country Crafts
Country Cottage Crafts
Lafes Hidden Treasures
Viridian Muse
Sweet Jeanette
Canterbury Pottery
Parami Panda Crochet
Blue Creek Home
Prairie Lane Boutique
Wired Out Designs
Cool Tricks
Cleverlee Crafted Creations
Kathleen A. Stewart
Goodwin's Enterprises
Five Sparrows
Jeany G's Stained Glass Studio
Lollielicious Designs
Unique Touches
Prim Gal
I know - it's still 3.5 months till Christmas, but I've started painting ornaments and decorations to add to my shop, and all of a sudden I had the urge to start a Christmas Ornament/Decoration Swap!! Every year I buy Christmas decorations and ornaments at the local Fair Trade Store, but thought it might be nice to swap handmade items this year!!
Here is how it will work:
1) Decide how many people you would like to swap with: 1 or 2
2) Will you ship Internationally?
3) Fill out the form below (click on graphic)
4) Make the decoration/ornaments: make one or a set, should be worth at least $10 (some shops participating might have high end Christmas items)
5) Must be mailed by November 15th!!
It's that easy!! Swap Entries will Close on Oct. 15th, so that everyone has time to make and mail the ornaments/decorations. Hopefully we all receive them before Christmas and can display them on our trees and in our houses!!
If you are joining the swap and have a blog - feel free to add the button on the sidebar to your blog! The more Swappers - the better!!
Shops Signed Up!!
Karen's Ornaments
Clayworks by Lisa Boucher
Red Red Completely Red
Prim Country Farm
Justine's Originals
LJoker 55
Structured Chaos
Judi Painted It
Julie Ellen
Wee Willy Whimsies
Art by Ally
Robin Harley Porcelain Art and Graphic Design
Three Seventeen
Cool Tricks
Cherry Designs Inc
B. A. Kid Again
Grah-Toe Studio
Snips & Snails
Hermann Ornaments
Catnip Studio Too
Station 1528
Lucy's Cupboard
Elvie's Boutique
Kelly's Clay Creations
Momma B's Front Porch
Faith Lady
Beiwe
Ornament Alley
Lisianblue
Krafty Lady
New Again
Sugar Creek Hollow
2 Bead or Not 2 Bead
Miss Knits
Beach Comber Crafts
Wild Animus
One Creative Queen
Sew Suzanne
Pamela Jean's Knitting Garden
Dovely Sells
Felt Sew Good
Wire Storm Creations
Pro Spark Studio
Design Ole
Rose Tree Creations
Rocky Mt Beader
3 Gen Designs
Little Red Hen & Charmed Notions
Carlee Glass
Baskets by Rose
Kimberly Creations
Altered Beauty
Crafts by Lynn
Your Way Embroidery
Eggcellent Designs
Kid'n Around Creations
The Ornamentality
Desperate Necessities
Witch Hollow Primitives
Crayon Princess
Cottage in the Sun
Sky Blue Pink Charmers
Rwen Creations
Denise's Kountry Patch
Kelley's Crafty Gifts
Stained Glass by Suzanne Ryan
Nature Favors
Audrey's Country Crafts
Country Cottage Crafts
Lafes Hidden Treasures
Viridian Muse
Sweet Jeanette
Canterbury Pottery
Parami Panda Crochet
Blue Creek Home
Prairie Lane Boutique
Wired Out Designs
Cool Tricks
Cleverlee Crafted Creations
Kathleen A. Stewart
Goodwin's Enterprises
Five Sparrows
Jeany G's Stained Glass Studio
Lollielicious Designs
Unique Touches
Prim Gal
The Bare Moose
Bare Moose is shop on Etsy with the most beautiful bracelets, necklaces and anklets. Janet has had her shop since May. Please take time to look through her items, I'm sure you will find something you love!!
My shop name was invented because I love, love, love moose (I have a huge collection) and also love bears. Bare is really a play on Bear. I thought it would be an easy name for people to remember.
I don't really know when I started crafting jewelry. But...I do remember when I started crafting. When I was 4 years old my mom would gather the neighborhood children a few weeks before every holiday. She taught us a craft so that the children could make something special for their parents.
We went on vacation to Florida when I was 8 years old. My maternal grandma came on vacation with us. During that vacation, my mom and grandma taught me how to crochet. I still love to crochet and generally make around 12 afghans every Christmas. I want everyone that has touched my life in some way to have a handmade afghan.
My mom and grandma are my crafting inspiration. I lost my grandma in 1991 and lost my mom to colon cancer in 2003. The last thing my mom crafted was a granny square afghan she crocheted for
me while suffering the latter stages of colon cancer. I cannot sit down to craft anything without the memory of these two amazing women joining me.
I just finished a 4 week training program for my new career. I am now a retail sales rep for a wireless company. I love it!!!
I live in Mechanicsville which is located in Southern Maryland. It's a small farm town and a lot of my neighbors are Amish. We moved here when I was 8 years old when my parents purchased a 105 acre farm. Both of my parents were raised on farms.
My shop name was invented because I love, love, love moose (I have a huge collection) and also love bears. Bare is really a play on Bear. I thought it would be an easy name for people to remember.
I don't really know when I started crafting jewelry. But...I do remember when I started crafting. When I was 4 years old my mom would gather the neighborhood children a few weeks before every holiday. She taught us a craft so that the children could make something special for their parents.
We went on vacation to Florida when I was 8 years old. My maternal grandma came on vacation with us. During that vacation, my mom and grandma taught me how to crochet. I still love to crochet and generally make around 12 afghans every Christmas. I want everyone that has touched my life in some way to have a handmade afghan.
My mom and grandma are my crafting inspiration. I lost my grandma in 1991 and lost my mom to colon cancer in 2003. The last thing my mom crafted was a granny square afghan she crocheted for
me while suffering the latter stages of colon cancer. I cannot sit down to craft anything without the memory of these two amazing women joining me.I just finished a 4 week training program for my new career. I am now a retail sales rep for a wireless company. I love it!!!
I live in Mechanicsville which is located in Southern Maryland. It's a small farm town and a lot of my neighbors are Amish. We moved here when I was 8 years old when my parents purchased a 105 acre farm. Both of my parents were raised on farms.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Look What I Found!!
We had a severe thunder storm move in Thursday night around 10pm. The lightning just never quit!! Managed to fall asleep after 11pm, woke up the next morning at 2am when the house shook from the thunder, didn't manage to get back to sleep after that. Needless to say I had a really nice nap yesterday!! LOL We did get almost 4 inches of rain during the night, won't be mowing grass today.
If you love give aways as much or maybe only 1/2 as much as I do - you really need to check out and bookmark this blog!! Nathelie has the greatest give aways, and lots of them.
Here is another amazing give away from a brand new shop on Etsy - Original Mischief. She is giving away this beautiful pillow!! Don't you just love the colors?
I recieved this great award from Christie Cottage a wonderful blog I visit often. Christie also has an amazing SHOP where she sells wedding accessories!
I would love to send 100 lucky people a Christmas Postcard, but no one seems to want one? Why? Click on the graphic below if you would like to get one in the mail for the holidays.
Just received these amazing return address labels in the mail yesterday. I ordered them from Vista Print, and they match the postcards I'm sending perfectly!!
A little while back I posted about Luke's tent and backpack. He was home on the weekend and spread everything from his pack on the livingroom floor and took a picture. I guess we should have opened the livingroom blinds and let some light in when he took the picture. After he has all this in the pack - there is still room for more!
Please enter the give aways I have on the right sidebar near the top! There is another one that just started today and one just below this post! Have a Great Weekend!!
If you love give aways as much or maybe only 1/2 as much as I do - you really need to check out and bookmark this blog!! Nathelie has the greatest give aways, and lots of them.
Here is another amazing give away from a brand new shop on Etsy - Original Mischief. She is giving away this beautiful pillow!! Don't you just love the colors?
I recieved this great award from Christie Cottage a wonderful blog I visit often. Christie also has an amazing SHOP where she sells wedding accessories!
I would love to send 100 lucky people a Christmas Postcard, but no one seems to want one? Why? Click on the graphic below if you would like to get one in the mail for the holidays.
Just received these amazing return address labels in the mail yesterday. I ordered them from Vista Print, and they match the postcards I'm sending perfectly!!
A little while back I posted about Luke's tent and backpack. He was home on the weekend and spread everything from his pack on the livingroom floor and took a picture. I guess we should have opened the livingroom blinds and let some light in when he took the picture. After he has all this in the pack - there is still room for more!
Please enter the give aways I have on the right sidebar near the top! There is another one that just started today and one just below this post! Have a Great Weekend!!
Friday, September 11, 2009
Kreated by Karen Give Away
THE WINNER IS:
Vicki!!
Congratulations!
Kreated by Karen is an amazing bag shop on Etsy. Karen is from Indiana and has had her shop on Etsy for almost 1 year now. I love bags, and there are some really beautiful ones in this shop!! Karen also has a really great blog that she updates on a regular basis: Chat Bug Karen at Winding Threads. Why don't we learn a little about Karen before we announce the Give Away Prize.
I began sewing as a teenager. I made those simple peasant style tops that had elastic around the neckline and sleeves. From there I have gone on to make quilts. My mom has made quilts since the days before rotary cutters. I have always
admired her quilts and one day decided to make one myself. Little did I know, I chose the hardest pattern possible. It had teeny tiny squares! Thank goodness, it was a small table runner and not a bed quilt or I may have thrown in the towel right then and there.My husband and I have owned a floor covering store in Indiana for over 30 years. I run the store which is connected to our home. I am lucky that I can walk out my kitchen door into our business. Since our two children no longer live at home, I spend my free time sewing.
My two sisters live in other states, Kentucky and Texas, and we all like to sew. We decided to make purses and bags and get together at flea markets and craft shows when possible and sell our creations. We have only managed one show! Needing a venue to sell my bags, I turned to Etsy. I have not settled on one type of bag and each one I make turns out to be a favorite until I make the next one!
Now for the Give Away!!
Karen is giving one lucky winner this beautiful bag!!
The fabric chosen for this bag makes it the perfect bag for all seasons. Two fully lined pockets on the outside are lined with extra heavy interfacing and have Velcro closures. (Keeps your cell phone handy and keeps it from falling out.) Two pockets on the inside also have Velcro closures and are also fully lined with medium weight interfacing. Made of heavy cotton fabric and decorated with floral stitching, this bag will get many compliments. The bottom fabric is upholstery weight fabric. A strong Magnetic Snap secures the bag. Purse measures:
14" wide x 10" tall and is 3" from front to back.
Here are the Rules to enter the Give Away.
Please fill out a SEPARATE form for each Entry!
* For the first entry - Go to: Kreated by Karen
Pick your favorite item and come back here with the link.
* 1 extra entry - blog about the give away, and leave a link.
* 1 extra entry - grab my button on the sidebar and add it to your blog, let me know
* 1 extra entry - twitter about this contest with a link, let me know where You can twitter this:
@audreyscrafts Win a Beautiful Bag from Kreated by Karen:
http://audreyscountrycrafts.blogspot.com/2009/09/kreated-by-karen-give-away.html
*1 extra entry for each of my other give aways you enter - just comment telling me which one you entered.
* 5 extra entries - purchase something from the shop - leave me a comment telling me what you purchased and a link to the invoice. (fill out the form 5 times)
THIS CONTEST IS CLOSED!!
***********************************************
Thank-you for entering!!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Crafty Mama Designs
Crafty Mama Designs is a wonderful shop with hair clips, beaded serving utensils, wine charms, destash and much more! Aviva has had her shop on Etsy since May 2008. You can also find her on face book: www.facebook.com/CraftyMamaDesigns
twitter: www.twitter.com/CalifCraftyMama
and her blog: www.CaliforniaCraftyMama.blogspot.com
Aviva, is from San Jose, California. and a SAHM (stay-at-home mom) getting crafty in her "spare time"! She says about her spare time: "Mostly after the kids' bedtimes and into the wee hours, that is. I pay a lot of attention to detail and offer my crafty creations for affordable prices, because I just have so much fun doing it!"
How did you decide on your shop name?
I hosted a jewelry-making night for my Mom’s Group, and someone called me a “Crafty Mama”… and it stuck!
When did you start crafting?
I never thought of myself as a creative person, but I took a class on jewelry-making 6 years ago and was instantly hooked. I had the bead fever! Then when my daughter was born, I wanted to try my hand at making my own hair clips for her. I quickly caught a case of ribbon fever and my supplies multiplied, so I started selling them to keep up my habit! I love making accessories for her, and the best part is that she loves it too. Now she requests the clips that Mommy made!
Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I think the next thing I’d like to get more into is sewing. My talent in this area is pretty much limited to sewing buttons on my husband’s shirts, so I think the next step is taking a class!
What or who inspires you?
Oh everything! On a practical level, I’d have to say my daughter’s wardrobe, since she likes things that match (she even likes her M&Ms to match!) I also get color combination ideas from nature, just being outside at the park or even the supermarket!
Do you have a day job?
A very full-time one- raising two little kiddies! I’m a stay-at-home mom to two wonderful children, and I love it so much! It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the most worthwhile and rewarding!
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I love the ladybug bow pictured here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26008376
It was the first time I used a patterned ribbon outside of polka dots and stripes, and I just love the color combination of the crisp red and black ladybugs on the light pink background. It’s such a fun bow, I really want to wear one too!
twitter: www.twitter.com/CalifCraftyMama
and her blog: www.CaliforniaCraftyMama.blogspot.com
Aviva, is from San Jose, California. and a SAHM (stay-at-home mom) getting crafty in her "spare time"! She says about her spare time: "Mostly after the kids' bedtimes and into the wee hours, that is. I pay a lot of attention to detail and offer my crafty creations for affordable prices, because I just have so much fun doing it!"
How did you decide on your shop name?
I hosted a jewelry-making night for my Mom’s Group, and someone called me a “Crafty Mama”… and it stuck!
When did you start crafting?
I never thought of myself as a creative person, but I took a class on jewelry-making 6 years ago and was instantly hooked. I had the bead fever! Then when my daughter was born, I wanted to try my hand at making my own hair clips for her. I quickly caught a case of ribbon fever and my supplies multiplied, so I started selling them to keep up my habit! I love making accessories for her, and the best part is that she loves it too. Now she requests the clips that Mommy made!
Are there other crafts you would like to try?
I think the next thing I’d like to get more into is sewing. My talent in this area is pretty much limited to sewing buttons on my husband’s shirts, so I think the next step is taking a class!
What or who inspires you?
Oh everything! On a practical level, I’d have to say my daughter’s wardrobe, since she likes things that match (she even likes her M&Ms to match!) I also get color combination ideas from nature, just being outside at the park or even the supermarket!
Do you have a day job?A very full-time one- raising two little kiddies! I’m a stay-at-home mom to two wonderful children, and I love it so much! It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but the most worthwhile and rewarding!
What is the item in your shop you enjoyed making the most and why?
I love the ladybug bow pictured here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26008376
It was the first time I used a patterned ribbon outside of polka dots and stripes, and I just love the color combination of the crisp red and black ladybugs on the light pink background. It’s such a fun bow, I really want to wear one too!
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