Another Wish List

Well - there are only 24 more shopping days till Christmas!! Are you ready? We got the last of the presents in the mail today (thank goodness for online shopping!)
But of course there were a few things that I wanted and had to look for on Etsy. Seems that I link melting tart thingies. And so I went looking for the best price and with the best shipping to Canada. I found this amazing shop!! Of course I ordered some right away :) Want the house smelling nice for the holidays. I ordered the tarts in Harvest Mix, Vanilla Cream and Pumpkin Spice. Oh I'm sorry - I didn't tell you where to get them? LOL I purchased them from the first shop in my wish list! But please take time to check out all the other shops too - they have such amazing items!!

Beautiful Handpaint Porcelain Creations

Robin has an amazing Porcelain shop on Etsy! Robin Harley Porcelain Art and Graphic Design has the most beautiful porcelain ornaments! I know this because I happen to be lucky enough to get Robin as a swap partner in the "Ornament/Decoration Swap"! I received a holly ornament like the one pictured below. It is truly a beautiful ornament!


*Where are you from?
Was born and raised in Frederick, MD. Moved to Albuquerque, NM in '83 to be closer to family. Always missed the green and change of seasons. Moved to Oakland, MD 7 years ago.

*How did you decide on your shop name?
All the porcelain collectible art is signed and dated so, that's why my business name is Robin Harley. Am mostly known for the porcelain art. Am a porcelain artist and graphic designer. Porcelain is my greatest passion and love the complexity and challenges of it. I design graphics mainly for Commonbond Communications, Inc., although have designed logos and graphics for other people and businesses.

Why did you start your business?
Started my business almost 10 years ago. Before that, I just gave pieces away and was encouraged to try and sell my art. Is so important to charge reasonable prices, whether graphic designs or porcelain art, so anyone can purchase a piece to collect if they want or have a graphic or logo designed. Is so important to donate art pieces to help raise funds for children and donate here in Oakland, MD to the schools. To me, that's what art is all about - helping. And if more people came together, just think what could be accomplished.

*When did you start crafting?
Started crafting and doing art ever since I can remember. Taught myself to crochet at age six. Loved art but did not do well in high school but learned the basics. Art is what each person sees and portrays, not what someone tells you to draw and how it should look. It's about learning the basic techniques and doing what you visualize with those techniques and applying them. Therefore, Am a self-taught artist and hands on experience is the best I think.

Can you tell is a little about the process used to make your items?
Porcelain Art:This process has been experimental from the beginning. A lot of things I've done aren't even suppose to work - if you listen to people - as for myself, I hear my own drum and keep on trying. Each piece is hand casted by me. It's so important to have a light weight ornament. I cast, clean, hand draw every little detail, paint, apply gold and create each design. No piece is the same if it's looked at carefully. Have lost a lot of pieces as well but every time the kiln lid is lifted, after a high fire, it's like looking into a treasure box - I never know what the pieces are going to look like.

Graphic Design: All of my graphic design are designed in Adobe Illustrator. They are all scaleable vector files. Am self-taught with Adobe Illustrator but took Adobe Photoshop for a semister to learn how to color graphics for commonbond Communications, Inc.

*Where do you craft?
Do all my graphic designs and porcelain art at home. And am so grateful to be able to work from home.

What does it look like?
Each piece of porcelain artwork is all porcelain including the hand drawn detail along with each dot, some are painted, and all are signed and dated by me. These porcelain collections change each year. I control the process from beginning to end taking porcelain to its ultimate limits. Pictures do not begin to reveal the unique and dainty details on each porcelain piece. The Christmas ornaments are very light in weight.

*What would you love to add to your crafting space?
I'd love a Skutt kiln, potters wheel, and an Apple computer for drawing vector graphics. Get tired of fighting the PC's for graphic design work.

*What’s your supply addiction; is there a specific color or type of supply you just can’t pass up?
Porcelain is my supply addiction. So versatile and complex. So soft and luminous. Beautiful. Porcelain is my relief outlet. It's not work it is relaxing.
One day it would be wonderful to buy the gallon of red porcelain and make myself a teaset with the slip trailing of black dragons or flowers on it. But, my addiction to porcelain wouldn't end there - China painting. Am going to start teaching myself that.

*Which item in your shop did you enjoy making the most and why?
The teapots. Started off making nothing but teapots and tea sets. The shape of the teapots are fun to work with. My very first pieces were made of earthenware - what people call "regular ceramics". After 911 happened sales ended for teapots. The woman who had this shop suggested for me to make ornaments. That's how all of the ornaments, boxes, and other items came about. I couldn't end my passion of porcelain and actually, this turned out good so now anyone can collect.

Neck Warmer/Ornament/Soap/Lotion Tart & a Recipe!

This month has been a great month for me as far as getting stuff in the mail! Did so many swaps the last month and now items are starting to flow in :) But before I get to that - could you please take time to check out the Etsy shops on the left sidebar. Just changed mini's yesterday. There are lots of amazing shops for you to browse!

I was part of a Secret Santa swap, these are so much fun. You have no idea who will send you something, or what it could possibly be! Well - I was very lucky to get Tattoo Annie as my Secret Santa!! She made me this amazing knitted neck warmer! I absolutely LOVE it! In a note Anne sent along - she thought I could use it while riding ATV's, but I will also be using while driving the very cold school bus all winter! It's the perfect color to go with my new jacket! LOVE red!!


As you may remember - I am addicted to handmade soap. Just purchased some from Green Love Store. Almost forgot to take a picture of the soap before heading off to the shower :) Purchased: Just Say Ahhh, Smile, & Paradise. They smell amazing! Starting with Smile, and did just that through the whole shower!


Another ornament from the Christmas Ornament/Decoration Swap came in this week too. This is just too cute for words!! It comes from Toni at Cool Tricks. I'm going to have to ask if I can copy it! Every year I make ornaments for the children on my bus. I was going to paint wood ones - but I just love these!! Could make the mittens different colors. Hmmmmm.


The last thing I will tell you about that came in the mail is some amazing Soy Was Lotion Tarts from 2 Virgos Designs. You would not believe how awesome this smells!! Jackie asked me to try her new product for a future Give Away! (in one week or so) Had to go buy a tart melter thing (isn't it cute) but it was so worth it!! That's all I'm going to say for now :) You'll just have to come back and see the review and enter to win your own.



I'm going to leave you with a picture of one of my favorite soups - Cream of Cauliflower - and also the recipe of course! It only takes about 30 minutes to make and is soooooo good! I usually use more cauliflower than the recipe calls for, to make the soup a little thicker.



Cream of Cauliflower Soup

Cook in salted water until soft:
1 medium head cauliflower, chopped

Saute' in large saucepan until yellow:
4 tbsp. butter or margarine 1/4 cup chopped onion

Blend in: 1/4 cup flour

Add: 3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
cauliflower and cooking water

Cook until mixture thickens slightly.

Add: 1 cup shredded cheese

Stir to melt cheese and serve sprinkled with herbs.

Enjoy! Have have an awesome weekend.

Prim Country Farms

Prim Country Farms is a wonderful shop on Etsy. Chris lives in Amarillo Texas and has had her shop on Etsy since May! She has a wonderful collections of Prim items to decorate your home. Please take a look at her shop after you have read all about her!


How did you decide on your shop name? Why did you start your business?
I love anything primitve, country and vintage. And I work with all kinds of mediums. So one night hubby and I was trying to think of a good name for me. So I decided to try and combine all three in my name. Prim stands for my primtive items, country is my country items and farms includes everything else I make. That is how Prim Country Farms came to be.

You can find alot of my items on my blog and selling site. We are working on a web site I hope to have it up and running in a few days.
Prim Country Farms
Prim Country Farms Selling Site

One day I saw this beautiful Primitve Raggedy Ann doll on a site. And I fell in love with her. I kept going back to this wonderful creation someone had made. And I thought to myself I want to learn all I can about making Prim dolls. So I set out and taught myself everything I could. How to design a Primitive Raggedy Ann doll. And I have been making them every since.


When did you start crafting?
I have been sewing since I was a child I use to make my doll clothes. I guess I have been sewing for a better part of 30 years now. I have been crafting for the public since 2001. I started out making quilts for the public and then in 2007 I started making Prim dolls and began selling them on line at that point. It has been a wonderful journey the last three years for me.

Where do you craft?
I have a sewing room but I have so many supplies and crafts in there. I had to move into my kitchen slash dining room. I would love to have a studio someday.

What's your supply addiction?
I love fabric and anything old. OH My Goodness I am so addicted to fabric it is sad to say but the ladies at the fabric store know me by my first name.LOL

Happy Thanksgiving!

Christmas Open House

AND THE WINNERS ARE:
#112, #29, #143, #111, #114, #105,
#188, #161, #58, #69, #122, #11, #81, & #47!

I will be contacting the Winner's shortly!
CONGRATULATIONS!

Welcome to our Christmas Open House, November 15-30!

Below you will find 14 amazing shops to browse, with 14 wonderful Give Aways, and 14 winners!

Each shop's promo is listed along with the Give Away Prize from that shop. If you are looking for something for yourself, a gift for someone or just looking for some ideas - you will find it here! Each shop is filled with unique one-of-a-kind items sure to please someone on your holiday shipping list.

So grab a cup of your favorite beverage [you might need two:)] and enjoy the Open House.

Thank-you for stopping by & we hope to see you again in the next two weeks. Don't forget to enter the Give Away!!

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
Buy Any 2 Items, Get a 3rd item of Equal or Lesser value FREE!
(shipping not included)
BLOG: A Bespoke Touch

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


Lovely ivory shell bracelet with wax cord,
gold and white accent beads.
Perfect for any sea or shell lover.

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
Buy One Item, Get another at 50% off (lower priced item is 1/2 off)
FREE gift with total purchase of $15 or more
(does not include shipping)
BLOG: Heavenly Creations PGH

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


A beautiful red jasper and pearl bracelet perfect for the holidays or anytime! The perfect adornment to accompany your classic pearls with a dash of holiday flair. Sparkling crystal and sterling silver embellish the classic beauty of pearls with a hint of color. Bracelet measures approximately 7 1/2 inches, including clasp.

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
FREE Shipping to US & Canada
1/2 Price Shipping Worldwide

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


This is a little sampler ornament is made with white embroidery thread on 32 count Ruby Wine Belfast Linen. It is stretched over a 3" hoop. These little samplers make great wall hangings, and even better Christmas ornaments!

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
Buy One Item, get a Second Equal or Lower Priced item for 50% off.
(shipping not included)
BLOG: While the Cat's Away

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


Two mini gift totes perfect for holiday gift giving, these little quilted gems are the perfect size to hold a few truffles and a gift card, a necklace, earrings, or ring box. And the bags can be reused year after year - the gift that keeps on giving! If you win, you will receive one green bag and one red bag, each fully lined with coordinating fabric and closed with a loop and vintage rhinestone button for a touch of whimsy.










GIVE AWAY PRIZE


Vintage/ Collectible all glass jar with wire closure lid fill with Whispering Willow Natural Laundry Soap. 18 large loads/top load or 36 large loads/HE/front load/ SCOOP INCLUDED!

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
Buy One pair of Earrings get the 2nd Pair at 50% off
Buy One Beaded Christmas Ornament -
Get the 2nd Ornament at 50% off
(not including shipping)

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


Set of 6 different beaded Christmas Ornaments.
Check shop to see the different styles and colors.

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
Buy One Painting and Get Another of Equal or Lesser value FREE!
(Does not include shipping)
BLOG: Cappy Sue Creations

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


This was taken during a ice storm and I love the way
you can see the illumination of every branch.
It comes as a 8x10 and while it looks almost black and
white here it is much more sepia toned in real life.

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
15% off Everything in the Shop
(not including shipping)

GIVE AWAY PRIZE

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
25% Off Any Item(s) in the Shop with the Code CCS in notes to seller.
(shipping not included)
BLOG: Christie Cottage

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


A hand knit cuff with a beautiful handmade button,
a knit, felted wool coaster/candle mat,
2 matching Christmas cards,
and a set of baby hang tags/ gift tags

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
Buy One Set of Cotton or Tulle Dish Clothes -
and get the 2nd set FREE!
Plus 10% off all Artificial Wreaths.
(shipping not included)
BLOG: Kelley's Crafty Gifts

GIVE AWAY PRIZE

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
Buy 2 Ornaments, Get a 3rd FREE!
FREE shipping on all items!

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


Run run as fast as you can, you can't catch me I'm the Gingerbread man, or can you!? You can catch this little Gingerbread Girl right here! She is perfect for your tree or wreath, a gift or tag and can be personalized.

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
10% Off Your Purchase:
add "AudreysCountryCrafts" in a message to seller at checkout
(not including shipping)
PLUS a Pair of Snowball Earrings with Every Purchase $20 or More.

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


This necklace features a recycled piece of Chinese pottery, set in silver plate and made into mini pottery shard necklace. Focal point is a big bright orange flower in full bloom with accent beads. Necklace is approximately 18 inches in length and securely fastened with a lobster clasp.

SHOP PROMO Beginning November 15:
$5 Off Anything in the Shop
(not including shipping)
BLOG: Chatbug Karen at Winding Threads


GIVE AWAY PRIZE


This cute cross stitched ornament would look beautiful on your Christmas Tree this season. It measures 3" x 3" and was made by Karen during one of the off moments she was not making purses and quilts.

SHOP PROMO Beginning on November 25:
*~*~*~*~BOGO - buy one item from the BOGO section and get another item of equal or lesser value from the BOGO section free!
Purchase your first item and pay for it.
Purchase the second item separately, pay with "Other"!
NOV. 25-30!!*~*~*~*

25% off any One Item Priced over $20
(not including shipping)
FREE Gift with Every Purchase.

BLOGS: Audrey's Country Crafts and Audrey's Give Aways

GIVE AWAY PRIZE


4 wooden stocking ornaments: hand painted and stained on the back
and a 10" hand painted metal plate with 1" high feet:
great for holding your Christmas goodies!




THIS GIVE AWAY IS CLOSED!

The draws will take place on: December 1, 2009

There will be 14 Winners!

This is open to EVERYONE Worldwide!

Good Luck Everyone!!

***********************************************
Audrey's Country Crafts is in no way responsible for the mailing of the prizes. 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!!