More wedding bouquets and charms

Thank you for sharing this lovely photo Wanda! 

Thanks for sharing Tara!

             

                    

Thanks Nancy for sharing your lovely photos

                           

Thank you to Kim in Alberta, for sharing your photo :)
Photo by: Perla Brambila at Cielito Lindo Photography. Mayan Riviera Mexico. 

Thank you Joy for sharing your lovely photo :)

Photo by Nicole Onik-

http://capturedmomentsbynicolenwindiana.webs.com/about

Thank you Rebekah for this lovely photo!

Thank you Sarah for sharing these lovely photos! 

Another gorgeous photo of Sarah's bouquet, and charm :)

Thank you Hillary! What a beautiful and creative memory piece!

Wedding bouquet photo charms- My mini Etsy

Just sharing my "Etsy mini" hope you like it :)

A Milestone event.

My Pearl Wedding Bouquet Memorial Charms

June 24/13

I am so excited! My shop is reaching a Milestone this week!

Just add your photo...  or let me do it for you.

I'm almost at 1,000 sales in my Etsy shop!! 

To celebrate: 

 My 1000th sale will get free shipping on their purchase! 

And starting right now I'm offering a 5% discount off for purchases (over 8.00) in my Etsy shop for the rest of this month… June 25-30/13 

Please use this Coupon Code: 1000THANKS    when making your purchase.

 I try to keep my items affordable, which means there isn't much room for discounts, but this is a big deal to me, so I'm going to try out the Coupon Code feature for the next few days.

I'd also like to extend a GREAT BIG "THANK YOU SO MUCH!!" to my customers, on-line friends at Twitter, Etsy, Facebook, and more! 

 Without you, my life wouldn't be so charming :)

Where does the time go?

 I've been exceptionally busy lately.  Here it is,  Feb 1, 2013 and I realize how long it's been since
I wrote in my blog... um NOVEMBER?!  I'm embarrassed about that. Not like I haven't had anything
to write about.
 I've had some very sad news recently, happy news, and muddled my way through other personal ups
and downs and a fried hard drive, ( not my brain, but my computer's), and lost a lot of stuff, in particular my photos... NOTE: back-up any important stuff... do it now, I'll wait right here :)
     Life is an extra-ordinarily long roller coaster ride. It's fun, thrilling and scary, and there's times I wish I could change my mind and get off the ride, or just scream.  Looking back isn't a good idea, but looking ahead can be even more frightening. I love the calm parts the best especially when climbing up, the view's awesome, but just when I get comfortable, the ride changes directions at such an incredible speed, it feels like I might get thrown off. The best thing to do, is hang on tight and try to flow with it. Take a deep breath "Keep calm and carry on".
    I have been quite busy with my Etsy shop, and am focusing on my wedding bouquet charms. I was going to set up a separate shop, just for my bouquet charms but decided against it... for now. I want to reduce my time on the computer... not double it.
  My packaging is evolving, as is my marketing, and new designs are in the works, but the best reward is knowing I can make something lovely enough to hold the memory of a loved one, to be part of a wedding and will be treasured for years to come.
 Anyhow, enough said...I could go on, but it's time for bed. Gotta get up early for work tomorrow. It's after 11pm and I wanted an early night tonight.
  Where does the time go?

A productive weekend.

I hate to see this weekend end...

 We spent a peaceful morning enjoying the sunshine, birds, and collecting rocks at Queen's bay beach.

(Note: The lake level is really low right now.)

                                     Then the weather changed quickly so we headed home.

 I dived into my studio to start my 3rd clay bird project. This one will be a bit smaller than the others, but only a bit.

         I also made some earrings (and a little pug "window jewel")  with the tiny animal beads I bought recently. 

 Taking pictures and listing them takes some time,

 but I managed to list a couple of them in my Etsy shop as well. 

Back to work tomorrow... time to change gears.

New paintings

I've been painting a lot this summer, and am making more of my paintings

available on-line (and in person of course) in my Etsy shop.

I've been nervous about adding them, because I know everyone has

a different opinion on what "art" is.

However, I've had good responses and feedback, so I'm putting more of my work

out there, and hope that you'll see one that speaks to you.

I'd like them to be available as prints too, so they are more affordable, so I set-up an account with Deviant Arts. They print everything from cards to canvas prints, and you can even get them framed, all from my uploaded photos.

When I have a bit of extra funds, I will buy a canvas print- ready to hang, so I can check out the quality for myself, but I've heard good things about them and their prices are awesome.

As always, there's a learning curve, but I have set up a profile, added a couple of photos, and

one of my paintings ... there's a lot of other talented artists there too.

If you would like me to add a particular painting there so you can get a print, let me know and I'll do it promptly. Otherwise, I'll just be adding them at random.

Well, time to get cleaning the house, as we have company tonight.

Enjoy your day,

Angie

September... already?

Digital greeting card created with Smilebox

Another awesome Etsy buy

My "hippy fish" tote bag has arrived! I'm thrilled and it looks even better in person :)

Shopping- for a new purse.

Long story - shortened…

I splurged and bought a new, unique, handmade purse from GreenBeezArt on Etsy -for less than $40.00, because the handle broke on my 6 month old,

cheap purse. ------>

Here's a Treasury of some awesome purses I found on Etsy.

NOTE: (I'll add a photo of my new purse when it arrives.)

*****************************

The "I have a bit of time to read" version:

Don't you just love a good deal? I've found many at garage/yard sales, 2nd hand stores, bargain shops, or the sales section of any given store and even the occasional auction.

It's not often that I buy myself new things, or pay full price. I guess I'm just cheap… or financially challenged, or the to use the popular word "frugal". Whatever you call it, it's a way of life for me. "Re-use, re-cycle, re-pair" is my mantra.

I don't follow trends, I do my own thing and sometimes it becomes popular (trendy), of course by that time I've often moved on and am doing something else. Not sure if I'm ahead or behind, the times, and don't really care which.

Purses are on my mind theses days.

In the past 10 years I've had 5 purses: 3 black, 1 brown (tapestry) & a white one that I did some beading and embellishing on.

I know most girls like to have several purses for different occasions, or to go with different outfits. Not me. I have one purse and it is used mercilessly until it's so worn looking or starting to fall apart, that it's almost embarrassing. Then I usually spend days shopping for the perfect one- that looks new, at a thrift store, or like the last 2 … on sale at Walmart. I don't think I've ever paid more than $20.00 for a purse AND they usually last a year, two or sometimes more.

About 6 months ago, I bought a new purse (a black one with lots of sections) on sale for $10- at Walmart, and last week the handle broke. Luckily I was able to put it back together with a safety pin, but that's not going to last long, so I've been on the hunt for a new one.

Maybe it's the crappy weather, or the fact that I've got a bit of $ in my Paypal account (from some recent sales in my Etsy shop), anyhow I decided to buy one on-line… brand new & less generic than plain black or brown. It needs to be big enough to hold my wallet, camera, books, ladies stuff and the kitchen sink, should I need it.

I googled "Purses"… endlessly looking at photos and decided I should narrow down my search. Since I adore Laurel Burch designs, I was on a mission- searching on E-bay, Zibbet, and Etsy and so many sites that use her designer fabrics. I couldn't decide what I liked best… the Mythical horses, adorable cats, dogs, birds. OMG! Too many choices, it was overwhelming.

Well, I drove my husband crazy, becoming yet another plug-in to my computer. I got vertigo from endless scrolling up and down, looking at so many photos, styles, colours, designs, PRICES. I was getting downright obsessed, and with such an amazing array of purses at my fingertips I realized I could be shopping forever, and my safety pin wasn't going to last that long.

So, I narrowed it down some more: under $40.00, handmade, unique… and it's gotta be from another Etsy shop. Oh let's not forget it's gotta be already made, so I don't have to wait too long…there's that safety pin to think about, and shipping time to consider too.

Finally, on Saturday night I found a purse that I adored. Not wanting to make a rash decision, I got ready for bed & was gonna sleep on it.

Laying in bed, it occurred to me, that it was the only purse like it. I wouldn't be able to find one similar- anywhere! and if someone else bought it during the night, I'd be back to where I started! So I snuck out of bed (without waking Dave), and bought it.

Dave doesn't understand WHY I would take the time to write a blog about a purse, let alone shopping for one, but he's a man and has a different way of seeing things I guess. BUT he has a great way of calculating things…

so, at $36.00 (including shipping), if it lasts just a year, it only cost me 10 cents/day! For a purse I'll use everyday, all day, to work, to play. What a bargain! Besides, I think I'm worth it ; )

Now…. waiting & wondering if my safety pin can hold on for a few more days…

A powder puff for my home made antiperspirant.

I'm thrilled! I just received the powder puff I bought from another Etsy seller: kcresson .

It's perfect for my homemade deodorant/antiperspirant and looks nice too. Not to mention it was reasonably priced, nicely made, shipped quickly AND helps by supporting a fellow handcrafter, on Etsy. How good is that?

I've read stuff about antiperspirants and how bad they are for us, but never really considered other options … until I ran out.

I didn't want to drive 1/2 an hour to town, just for that, but then the Natural gas to our community got shut-off for a couple of days... no hot water!  What's a girl to do?

My son suggested I google it, so I did ..." diy antiperspirant" and checked out a few recipes. Looking for one with ingredients that I already have on hand.

Many recipes use baking soda and cornstarch, along with a little essential oil.

It sounds pretty simple and natural, but I didn't have any suitable oils, so I substituted a few drops of glycerine & rosewater instead. I have no idea how long I've had that little bottle of liquid, but this is an opportunity to use it up .

(Yah, I sometimes cook that way too.)

I used about a 1/4 cup cornstarch & 1/4 cup baking soda, and then some drops of the rosewater/glycerine liquid. Using a teaspoon to mix it all together in a little ceramic dish, keeping it a dry, crumbly, powder that I pressed into the bowl with the spoon.

I used some cotton balls to apply it under my arms, and swore I'd make a puff for it, if I like the powder.

Well that was months ago, and I've used many cotton balls, and still haven't gotten around to making the puff, but I do love my new antiperspirant (or is it just a deodorant?) Whatever.

  I don't smell of BO by the end of the day, it doesn't irritate my pits, and it's cheap/quick/easy to make. If you try it, and like it, you may want to buy a puff too.

It's definately worth trying out, if you're looking for alternative/natural and effective options.

Everyone loves a sale!

I've been meaning to try out the Coupon codes for my shop on Etsy,

and today's the day.

When making your purchase, enter the code: MAKEMYDAY10 and you'll get 10% off on your item!

The 1st thing I had to consider is, should I offer a percentage off, or free shipping?

I already offer Free shipping on my purse charms.

My other items vary in size and shipping costs, and I usually pay a bit more than what I charge for shipping, so I'm sorry, I doubt I'll be using the Free shipping option.

So I'll go with a percentage discount.

I don't have a lot of wiggle room in my pricing either, but 5% just doesn't seem like much of a deal. So I'm going with a sale of 10% off, for a limited time.

If you enter the code: MAKEMYDAY10 you will automatically get 10% off the listed price.

Please take advantage of my sale. You will save a little money and brighten up your life with something unique and handmade.

Make my day, and yours!

Note: sorry, but this sale is over.

Bright flower paintings

I usually have some paintings, in various stages, on the go. Some don't look like much- just a blank canvas with a coat of white gesso, or a base of colour, while others just need some final touches to be completed .

Different ideas, themes, colours, textures and techniques gives me a buffet of beginnings to select from.

As the snow falls, yet again, I've spent some time in my studio working on several paintings.

Bright colours and cheery themes, always make me happy.

Yesterday it was sunny and a balmy 8C, and I heard my 1st robin of the year. Today it's grey, dreary and snowy.

I miss the colours of summer, the flowers, sunshine and bright blue skies and thought it's a good time to finish these two little flower paintings.

I've added them to my Etsy shop - in the "Paintings" section.

Sunflower painting= $12.00

Summer Flowers = $15.00

I've just made this beautiful little mirror using a print from my summer flowers...

affordable, portable and practical, piece of art.

Feeling Treasured on Etsy.

There's a new feature on Etsy, it's called Circles.

I've just started using it, and am happy to see it shows

when I'm included in a Treasury.

To my surprise, I've been included in FOUR treasuries

over the last three days! How amazing is that?!

I recently finished this pair of "Fleur de Lise" wall sconces, and I just added one to my Etsy shop. It's included in this "Cinnamon taste test" Treasury.

I have been hesitant about adding paintings

to my Etsy shop. I am not a prolific painter, so my collection is rather small & intimate.

However, this past year I've been concentrating on painting, and am just getting the courage to present them on Etsy.

My "Flaming Lotus" painting is in this Lotus Treasury.

And my "Big Fish" painting is in a collection

called "Rage in the cage".

This ceramic sun face is featured in

"Let the sun shine in" Treasury.

Jan 25/11

Check out this awesome Dragon Treasury, it includes my last hatching dragon.

Feb 8/11

A stunning collection of trees in numerous colours, styles and mediums.

My "Love Tree" button is included.

Feb 14/11

Some more recent treasuries:

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d585c38d1ab8eeff04b9eba/some-bunny-loves-you

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d580f0bc36e6d91a4cc14c3/even-dragons-cry

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d58c5d3ef648eefc6a27153/sheepy-time

I've only curated a few treasuries, but know the time and consideration it takes to make one.

Trying to stay on task is hard! There's so many wonderful things to see on Etsy. I spend a lot of time deciding what to include, and where.

I also end up feeling quite insecure about my own skills as an artist, when I see some of the other artists' amazing pieces. So it's very encouraging to have my work (paintings especially) featured in someone else's Treasury.

So I'd like to send a sincere " Thank you! to the amazing curators of Etsy Treasuries!"

You make us all shine :)

A Button Making Machine - for my birthday!

I've been wanting a button making machine for a long time, however, it just hasn't been affordable, or a priority. You know the kind of buttons I mean… bright colours, funny pictures/sayings, or to show support for a cause.

I'd like to make some to promote (and sell in) my Etsy shop. It will be fun to make custom orders - of people, their pets, kids, cars, businesses, whatever!

So keep me in mind if you need a button or 2, (or 200)!

I have a birthday this weekend, and it's a BIG one…50th this coming weekend!

Anyhow, my family thought a button maker would make an ideal gift for me, but they wanted me to choose one, so I've been doing some serious shopping around.

After looking, comparing prices, reviews, cost of supplies and more… I decided I on a Tecre 2 1/4' button maker.

I read a lot of good reviews, the parts seem a bit more affordable, however shipping isn't cheap.

(I decided on the standard 2 1/4" because I will also be able to make pocket mirrors, and magnets with that size.)

Now I'm anxiously awaiting it's arrival, and thinking of ideas for the 1st set of buttons. I have a few days off now, so I'm going to figure out designs for the artwork. I'll be ready to make them when my machine arrives.

I'm so excited! I'll let you know how it goes, once I get started.

In the meantime, Dave & I are planning to get away for the weekend, to quietly celebrate my 50th birthday, with a bit of shopping in the big city of Cranbrook, a dinner & evening at the casino and a motel room for the night- they'd better have a hot tub somewhere. It'll be fun, to finish my Christmas shopping, and hopefully get new winter boots (mine are falling apart).

It's not often that we go anywhere, but there's always someone home to look after our geriatric dog (Spike), so we should

get away more often.

Well, I'll keep you up to date...

Enjoy your week.

***** ******** **************** *****************

Update: Wed Dec 8/10

( I fixed my boots this morning using hot-melt glue. They aren't pretty, but they'll be fine for home.) So I took Spike for a walk to the mailbox, and guess what?

There was a "parcel pickup" notice in my mail! YES!

That means I will need to go to town tomorrow and pick it up at the Mall.

I wasn't sure if it would arrive before the weekend. I'm so excited!

Some other things to consider:

- I have a decent printer to print my button designs, however, I may be needing specialty papers, and more ink soon.

- Q- How long will it take to actually make the buttons & designs?

A- If I had all the designs made, & cut into circles, it just takes seconds to actually make the buttons, but the designing, printing & cutting can take time!

-Who will buy them from me? (I'm not much of a salesperson... something I've got to work on.)

- Buying the parts isn't too expensive, but the shipping & taxes are!

****** ********** ************** *****************

UPDATE: Dec 9/10

I picked up my button maker today. YEAH!

After a little messing around with the directions, and cutting out circles (of some designs I'd printed,) I have successfully made 25 buttons!

Talk about easy! The 1st one has the pin upside down, and on one, I forgot to add the mylar cover, so I screwed up 2. Not bad for a newbie!

It's so quick & easy to actually make the buttons, but designing, printing & cutting them out takes a lot of time.

I've taken a couple of pictures, so you can see my Tecre machine, and some of the pins I've made so far.

My family has some very politically incorrect ideas for buttons to make. Totally different from what I have in mind...so I've had to do a little censoring, sorry.

Gonna run along now, but if you need a button (or 2, 20, or 200), I'd be happy to make some for you.

You can e-mail me at: smilingbluedog@yahoo.ca

________________________________

Update:

Dec 10/10

Before I go away for birthday weekend, I'd like

to show off my Zibbet shop, where I've listed

a few of my buttons.

Update:

Dec 16/10

Had a wonderful weekend getaway with my husband. So far 50 doesn't seem so old...but it's only been 5 days :)

Anyhow, I've made a whole bunch of new buttons and have some great ideas. (Guess what everyone's getting in their stocking?)

I'd like to see if I can make some to sell locally, so I've edited some of my best photos taken in the Kootenays, and made souvenir buttons.

Update: Oct/11

I am very happy with my button maker, but wish I had a better circle cutter. Should've spent the extra $$, but didn't have it then, and still don't.

This is something Dave can do and he likes it!

I design and print them, while he cuts them out & assembles the buttons... and it doesn't hurt his back :) YES!