Tuesday, November 29, 2011

STILL GOING STRONG!


Yup, the Virtual Craft Show is still going on, folks!  Take a peek at today's gifted artists and their sites as well as go back to the previous days to see what those artists (including myself) have to say and show!


Who's Got Backbone!

Who's Got Backbone!
~close up~

 And, speaking of showing, I have a new necklace that I made for Kare-Bear for Spina Bifida Awareness.  I bought the focal from Marsha Neal over on Etsy and I plan to talk to her about some more in, not only this color, but this design.  Just something about it that makes me think of the spinal nerve.  Anyway, I do have three other focal beads in this color (tho' a different pattern each) and will make some more necklaces for the Spina Bifida portion of my Etsy Store and should have them up fairly soon.  Maybe.  We're getting ready for our church's Christmas cantata, too, so I work when I can (aaaaaahhhh!)

Shop On!

Monday, November 28, 2011

THE JOYFUL MADNESS CONTINUES!


Yes, it's the 3rd day of the Virtual Craft Show! Hope everyone's having a TOTAL blast!  Please, be sure to visit Lori's blog, Pretty Things, to enter for all the MAH-velous giveaways available!  Be sure to check each person's site(s) to view their beautiful products.  Be sure to spread the word to all your friends (and their husbands!) about the ton of gorgeous that's available for sale.  Go check the following ladies and their products out:

Sally Russick
 

 
Sandi Volpe




Susan Lloyd
 
 

Mallory Hoffman
 

 
Kim Ballor
 


Jelveh Jaferian
 

 
Wendy Blum
 

Elisabeth Auld
 

 
Patsy Evins
 


~Autumn Sunset~
Etsy Store Giveaway

...and don't forget, I have a separate giveaway for those who purchase from my Etsy store and mention their purchase on their blogs, Facebook page or Twitter account, and/or comment about their purchase on my Facebook page.  Just remember, be sure to leave me your blog or email address so I can contact the winner.

Happy Shopping!

Sunday, November 27, 2011

DAY 2 ~ Virtual Craft Show - Shop Around Like Y're Momma Told'ja!


So, today is the 2nd day of the First Annual Virtual Craft Show! I'm so excited!  My giveaway is for the great art/beading magazines. They're terrific and have wonderful information, articles and are a great way to get inspired (especially if you're going through beaders block!)  Be sure to go over to Lori's blog, Pretty Things, and follow instructions for getting entered into all the drawings available on all the blogs.  And be sure to visit all the blogs. These ladies are amazing and have some luscious jewelry and beads for you to buy. 
Autumn Sunset ~ necklace
giveaway for buyers from
my Etsy store.


Also, remember that I'm having a secondary drawing for those who make a purchase from my Etsty store.  One entry for your purchase(s), one entry for mentioning your purchase on your blog, twitter or Facebook page (come back her to let me know) and one entry for going to my Facebook page, and mentioning your purchase there as well.  Be sure to leave me a link to your blog or an email address so I can contact you if you win.


Welcome to the 2nd Day of the First Annual Virtual Craft Show!


7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.
Can you believe it????


I hope you'll take the time to visit these artisans' shops and blogs, too.

Here's how you win:

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....

 Commenting 
Facebooking this page
Twittering this page
Blogging this page

Be sure to have either a blog with an email contact, or leave an email in your comment so I can notify you!  

Drawing will be held a couple of days after the show. 

Now here are the first lovely artisans!


Pam Sears


Enhance your jewelry design magazine library with a stack of magazines!  You'll get:

6 Lapidary Journal/Jewelry Artist: April, May, July, Sept, Nov, Dec '10
1 Art Jewelry, Sept '11
1 Bead Unique, Oct '11
2 Bead Style, Jan '11 and May '11
2 Step By Step Wire Jewelry, Aug-Sept '11 and Oct-Nov '11
1 Creative Beads and Jewelry issue 17

Value:  $100

 
Sue Kennedy

 
The beads were made from clear glass and a holiday themed frit!  The round beads and the silver sparkle beads measure approx. 12mm, and the large hole bracelet beads measure approx. 12x11mm.  All my beads are made in my studio in Pittsburgh by me, Susan Kennedy, and all are properly kiln annealed and cleaned with a diamond-bit Dremel. 

Value:  $50
Special code CRAFTSHOW15 will give you 15% off your purchases plus a free pair of handcrafted brass or copper earring wires with each purchase of an earring bead pair.

 
Tania Spivey


Designer's Dream Eclectic Mix 

Includes: 

1.  Polymer clay oval toggle clasp in taupe, with a dainty lavender flowering vine and gorgeous antique white sari silk.  Clay toggle measures approximately 1.5" in diameter, not including copper bail.

1.  Polymer clay bead and hammered copper toggle set in rich, woodsy shades of brown.  Accented with topaz hued crystals and beads, and includes sari silk in coordinating color.  Beads measure nearly 2" in diameter, while hammered toggle measures 1" in diameter.

2.  Eclectic mix of lime green and shades of gray polymer focal bead with brass center accents and beads, with cool shade of gray sari silk length. Focal bead measures approximately 1.25" in diameter.
 
Value $35 

 
Staci Louise


Handcrafted earrings with hollow copper lentil charms, copper coated ceramic beads from Mykonos and handcrafted, extra long ear wires in sterling silver.

Lentils measure 21mm and the entire length of the earring from top to bottom is 66mm (just over 2.5")
 
Value  $25.00

use code stacilouise25 for 25% off in my jewelry shop www.stacilouise.etsy.com
use code stacilouise10 for 10% off in my components shop
www.slartisanaccents.etsy.com
 
Marge Beebe


This amazing slice of crazy lace agate includes red, white, gray lines.  This slice is attached to ultra suede and beaded embroidered around and finished with a smooth ultra suede in the back. This piece measures 2.5" x 1.5" and is on a suede lace.
Value $45

Use code GIVEAWAY in my shop for 15% off

now until 12/25/11
 
Kim Hutchinson


Upcycled game piece pendant

Size is approximately 1" x 1.5". Original collage made with upcycled materials then sealed multiply times (is water resistant but not water proof- so please do not shower or swim with it on). 

Value $10
Free shipping in Etsy shop!


http://www.etsy.com/shop/hutchink

Cilla Watkins



Red Czech Glass Flower and Crystal Earrings with Antiqued Brass

Lovely vintage red Czech glass flower bead, stunning hand cut crystal, and antiqued brass.

Perfect for your Holiday Activities: Sledding,Skating,Shopping,Eating, Partying,Wrapping,Working,Playing. You name it these work horse earrings will work for you! Good Luck!
Value: $18.00

 
Angela May

 
St Michael and Virgin Mary Pendant

This double-sided glass pendant features an image of the Theotokos Virgin Mary and Christ Child on one side and St Michael the Archangel on the reverse.

This pendant is 1.5" square, 3" long including the dangles and bail.  One of the dangles is a vintage Virgin Mary medal and the other is a two-dimensional image of St Michael. 

I have taken a more rustic approach with the silvery lead-free solder used to seal it, thus making it appear ages old. It is not waterproof and should not be worn while swimming or bathing. Clean with any dry silver polishing cloth. It will come with a simple 16-19" necklace or you can choose to have a custom beaded necklace made for it.  Size:  1.5" x 1.5" pendant, 3" long with the dangles and bail.

Value: pendant only, $18, with necklace,  $28.
  
 
Lola Surwillo


Rings are my favorite piece of jewelry to create, buy and wear.  The most unique aspect of my rings – and a favorite feature of my customers – is that they are woven on strong elastic for durability and ease of wear.   They are very light and comfortable, and are a great option for those who suffer from arthritis.

One person will win one ring for a total of three giveaways!

Ring #1 – Tagua nut focal surrounded by golden red seed beads and round, gold-filled beads -- Value: $14

Ring #2 – Decorative, metal bracelet slide surrounded by charlotte seed beads and square metal beads --Value: $12

Ring #3 – Swarovski crystal bracelet slides surrounded by charlotte seed beads -- Value $19

 
Rebekah Payne


Five handcrafted beads made 
by Rebekah Payne of Tree Wings Studio


One Turquoise Pony bead: a little pony made entirely of turquoise and coral polymer clay measuring about 27x35 mm.  Hole running down through its back to its hooves. 

One Mr. Brown Owl focal bead: Hand shaped in brown polymer clay with a white patina on his feathers. 34x19 mm and has a hole running through the top of his head to just above his tail on the back. 

One Sleepy Brown Owl bead: Owl in hand-painted polymer clay measuring about 20x18 mm and has a hole running through the top of its head to just above its tail on the back. 

One pair of Sleepy Foxes: Foxes in hand-painted polymer clay measuring about 19x18mm with a hole running from their tails up through their backs. 
 
Value $42

Be sure to stop by the shop too! Use coupon code CRAFTSHOW10 for a 10% discount starting today and running through December 3rd.

 
One quarter of the 'simple truth' sampler club.

Value: $54 (shipping included!)

 
Come back tomorrow for 
more giveaways!

Friday, November 25, 2011

AAALMOST THERE! WE'RE AAAAALLMOST THERE!

 So, we're just hours away from the First Annual Craft Show!  Now, for those who are entering the contests, you need to be sure you comment on the Pretty Things blog, here, because that's the only way (following their instructions) to win one of the Big Prize Give-Aways.  While I'm not going to be listed for all the days of the Craft Show, I will be listed for most of them.  So, check (and comment) often.

HOWEVER!!  For those of you who buy from me at my Etsy store, I'll have a different drawing for you to be entered in.  Note the lovely, Autumnal colored necklace to the left (along with it's close up, Mr. DeMill).  If you buy from my store, that will be one entry.  If you go to my Facebook Page and like my page as well as comment on your purchase, that will be a second entry.  If you have a blog and comment on your purchase from my store there, that will be a third entry, you just need to be sure and leave a comment with me, along with a link to your blog, so I can see it. (please note, it is only one entry if you buy from me, not one entry per perchase).  This drawing will be held Dec. 3rd and the winner announced Dec. 4th.

 This necklace is a side project from the ABS November Challenge (I got into a Fall colors mood) and is strung on chocolate ribbon with a deep Autumn Sunset glass focal bead, caramel ceramic beads and copper accent beads. This giveaway is worth $30.00.

 
We're also going to be including some of Saner Sister's crochet work in the store.  Here's a tease of one of her scarves.  It's made from Country Look yarn in the color "Regal Earth" (altho' I call it Forest Road) and is a rich, earth-toned brown with forest-green accents in the yarn.  It's quite soft and very warm and her scarves will be $40.00 in our store.  There will be three others listed as well, a yummy forest green (which I've been drooling over), a stormy dark gray and a cool, creamy white.  If you have another color preference, please convo me on Etsy and I'll pass your request on to Saner Sister.

If you'll check to the right of this post, just under my Facebook page link, you'll find the link to my Etsy shop, or just click here to get to it..

Shop On, Friends! :)

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

WARM UP YOUR CREDIT CARDS, IT'S ALMOST HERE!

Well, folks, it's just a few more days until The First Annual Virtual Craft Show and, yes I've said it before, I'll be a part of it!  Here's how it's going to work:

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.
Can you believe it????
I hope you'll take the time to visit these artisans' shops and blogs, too.

Here's how you win:

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....

 Commenting 
Facebooking this page
Twittering this page
Blogging this page

Once you've made a comment either on Facebook, Twitter or your Blog, be sure to let me know in the comments.  Also, be sure to have either a blog with an email contact, or leave an email in your comment so I can notify you!  

Drawing will be held a couple of days after the show. 

So, that's how it's going to work. I'll be a part of the show for only 5 days, but you can visit as many shops as you want over the course the Show and, hey, why not any time after?  Some of the Etsy shops will have Christmas discounts going on later, too. 
Yes, I know a few of the prizes to be given away.  No, I'm not going to tell you. So there!  You'll have to visit the individual blogs and comment there for your chance at their prize.  Trust me, it's worth it!  The start of this whole shootin' match will be here, so be sure to start off there (yes, you comment on her site, too, to win prizes.)  My Etsy shop WILL be open by the day the Show starts, but I'm hoping to have it up and running before then, so check back and see if the link has been added over on the right near the Facebook link.
Happy Giving Thanks Day, folks!
And, Happy Shopping!

Monday, November 21, 2011

CHALLENGES GALORE

Well, I finished the ABS November challenge but now, I have a new challenge.  Getting a post-worthy picture of it to put on my blog, my FB Page and to send to ABS.  (sigh)  I really need one of those table-top photo set ups.  My kingdom for one!

However, I've also taken on another challenge!  I "found" this one when I was visiting ammjewelry's blog and saw these adorable ceramic snowflake pendants!  I had to try this out and I got the kit just the other day.  They were over at Michelle Mach's blog, Beads & Books and, last I saw, she only had a few of her kits left.  If you want to join in, I suggest you hurry!

I received my kit from Michelle on Sunday and immediately sat down and went to work.  Really, I just love these beads!  They are so evocative of the Winter Season not because of the snowflakes, but the blue glaze she used as well and their delicate form. But, these are tough little beads for as delicate as they seem (not that I recommend pounding with a hammer or anything!) and they have just enough weight to hang well.  I've used some of her beads and some of my beads and some ribbon I bought from Abby & Ellie Originals on Etsy.

Now, here's a little bit of a tease from what I'm going to be calling "Christmas Cranberries" when the blog-hop for this little challenge rolls around in January (p.s., I'll be doing a few other things with the remaining beads in that kit, too...)
(p.p.s., if you want to preview the whole thing, go up and click on my Facebook Page up there on the right. And, be sure to "like" the page as well! ;)  )






Friday, November 18, 2011

COLD & TOASTY ~ MMMMMMM!

Yes, folks, Winter is here.  It's time for frozen fingers, nipped noses and sore throats.  Well, I can't help with the noses & fingers, but maybe The Crazy Creative Corner can help with the throats.

What's the best way to avoid a sore throat (besides loads of vitamin C and avoiding others with sore throats)?  Keeping it warm! Those of us in the central part of Southern California have aclimated to the weather around here and, to us, it's cold in the winter. (I can hear those of you in the Frozen North and East just cracking up right now. Stop it!)  It's time to pull out the scarves, the mittens even the occasional hat (tho', for us, it's mostly umbrella's).  Once December rolls around, we even drag out the "heavy" wool coat. (quit laughing! I tell ya', live here through one winter and summer and the next winter you'll be freezing with the rest of us! I know an  Alaskan who that happened to!)

Saner Sister has been busy the last week crocheting the answer to your chilly tonsils.  She has made some beautiful, and soft, scarves to wrap your necks in.  I love her scarves.  I usually have to beg her for one (and buy the yarn myself!) and, out of the ones she's made for the upcoming Virtual Craft Show and our Etsy store, I've got my eye on one that may or may not make it in with the rest of them.  Its got a yummy color that I'm most desirous of having.

Maybe when she's not looking.

ANYway!  That's the tease for now.  No, I'm not putting up any pics of them.  I want you to come see.  She really is quite good at making them and uses quality yarn.  They'll be in the Etsy store this next week and part of the Virtual Craft Show that's starting next weekend. 

Stay tuned!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

FACEBOOK

EEEEEEEEEEEE!   I have a Facebook page for Crazy Creative Corner now so, y'know, go be a fan!!  I've added a link to it --->
Look to the right ------------>
See it??  -----------> 
"Right" there! Just above "Contributors" and right under "Visit Me On Facebook" ---------->
Go on, go be my friend!  It's only just starting, so it's only kith and kin so far but, we all have to start somewhere, eh?

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

VIRTUAL CRAFT SHOW ~ SNEAKING UP ON US!

Yes, folks, the First Annual Virtual Craft Show is almost upon us, hosted by Lori Anderson at Pretty Things.  It's been sneaking closer and closer and now we have just a little over a week and a half left until it's time to hop from blog to blog and shop to shop to see what all is for sale.  Christmas gifts galore!  Treats for your sisters, cousins, mothers, aunts, granmas... and, I'm sure there will even be some manly items available.  It's like an electronic treasure hunt, you just follow the links and do a little digging and who knows what sorts of baubles you might come up with.  There are some real gems out there (pun FULLY intended!)

Shoot, forget the other women in your family.  Buy for yourself! (like a friend of mine did... her poor grandaughter has no idea what she didn't get! hahaha!)

Pre-sale treat-peek of some of what will be available on my Etsy Store!
Christmas Cheer - beads are
handmade lampwork by
Sue of Sue Beads

Golden Tears ~ wire wrapped
gold beads on hand made
ear hooks

Support Spina Bifida line ~
Watch with deep purple
and yellow beads and
bicon crystals - 8" lgth

Autumn Sunset ~ chocolate
ribbon with caramel colored
oval beads, copper spacers
and a sunset colored glass focal.

Earth's Wheels ~ earth-tone
mottled beads on brass
chain, handmade ear wires.



Tuesday, November 15, 2011

MORE WORK FOR THE CRAFT SHOW


Christmas Cheer ~  Earrings made
with wire from Hobby Lobby
and beads from Sue Beads on Etsty
 LOOOOVE them!
 Yes, I was busy last night.  I finished my entry for the ABS November Challenge and added a few more items, just because.  No, I'm not posting the challenge item just yet.  I want better pics than what my iPhone gave me.  However, I'll show you a few of the items I managed to do after finishing the Challenge.



Autumn Sunset ~ strung on
warm brown ribbon ~ mmmm











Bracelet that goes with the
challenge necklace ~ yes, you
get a small peek at the necklace.