September Party Time!

I'm bringing back Party Time here at The Yankee Burrow Life!

Twice a month I'm going to host a linky party...one for handmade and one for upcycled and vintage items.  Here are the rules...they are so simple.

1.) Post a link to a handmade item you have for sale...from any site.  Etsy.  The CraftStar.  

Handmade Artist.  Zibbet.  Artfire.  And especially your own website.

Or

Post a link to your blog post (not your blog URL) featuring a handmade item, or a DIY project.

2.)  Visit the other shop/blog links and like your favorites.

I will then do a special feature on the most liked link.

3.)  SHARE...SHARE...SHARE!

Share this party on all your social media sites.  And come back often to see what's new from others, and to even post more for yourself.

Please remember...this is a family friendly site, so no mature items please.

Are you ready????

Let's go!

Be blessed,
Debbi

Handmade Artist Feature - Norma's Bath and Body

Look what I found at The Craft Star, just in time for Mother's Day!

Norma's Bath and Body!

I love what her banner says..."It's the body bakery!"...and some of her items look good enough to eat...

like these Banana Nut Bread cupcakes.  But you don't eat these, they are soaps.  Yummy.

Ohhh, this orange sherbet body scrub looks absolutely delicious!

Would you like fries with that??? LOL

These french fry goats milk soaps are a trip, and a great gift for that fast food lover in your life.  And the packaging is perfect!

You can also find Norma here...

TCS / Etsy / Artfire / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest

Be blessed,

Debbi

*while performing a google search on this shop, I did come across one complaint from one person in 2011.  As a shop owner, I know that it is impossible to please everyone, and all the other reviews on her shop are positive.  Norma has been in business since 2004, So I have no qualms about featuring this shop.*

What's new in handmade....

Let's visit several places today and see what's new out there in handmade land.

Here's a little cutie from The Craft Star, 

American Flag Mouse

by Warmth.

At Handmade Artists I found

a Steam Bee Steampunk Necklace

by Designs Bloom.

For a country girl, I have to admit I am strangely attracted to steampunk. lol

I haven't been here for ages, but at Artfire I found a

3D white persian cat mug

by

MadamePomm.

And my final stop is at Zibbet.  I love this

Laser Cut Leather Cuff

by  Lydia Wall Millinery.

Well, that's it for today.  Now it's up to you.

Remember, when you buy handmade, you are supporting small business.

Be blessed,

Debbi

What's new with handmade

It's been a while since I've checked out some other sites to see what's new "with the competition". hahaha.  Not really, the best part of being part of the handmade community is the support we give to each other. :0)

Over at Handmade Artists, I found this really cool feather mask.

It's made of papier mache and beautiful turkey feathers. 

 I found this in the shop of Dara Gallery.

I love things that speak to our nations Native American history, (plus hubby is part Cherokee) so when I saw this handpainted gourd bowl, I knew I had to share it with you.  Done in a traditional pattern, you can find many more pieces in the shop of bjsgourtartetc. 

Over on Etsy, I found this beautiful watercolor painting of feathers.  This is an original painting, not a print and you really need to visit the shop to see the colors...very bright and vivid!  The artist is Rakla, and her talent is amazing. 

After Etsy, I popped over to Artfire.  I haven't been there in ages!  

I love this embroidered terry hand towel and if it was mine, and I caught some one actually put their wet hands on it????  Well, let me tell you, it would be ON! lol.  There are tons of other beautiful items in the shop of Velvet Hearts.

And to end this post, I had to visit my new haunt, The Craft Star.

Just lookie at what I found!!!!  The cutest baby cowboy boots, I need these for Quintin!

 You can find the sweetest baby stuff in the shop of 

Handmade Gifts by Barb.

Did you realize that Christmas is just around the corner?  AGHHHHH. lol.

You can get a jumpstart on your decorating with this gorgeous handpainted ornament for your tree.  It's a wooden egg, so you won't have to worry about it falling and breaking, if you're like me and keep your tree up until it's almost bald. :0)

Stop by Bryn and Jeremiah's shop to see this, and many more handmade decorations.  And it's not just for Christmas.

Well, that's my shopping spree for today.  Pick a link, any link, and have fun shopping for yourself.

Be blessed,

Debbi

HAF artists spotlight - Finding Charm



 

One of my favorite things from the Handmadeartists.com forum is the blog ring.  Every week I get to share with you the creations from some very talented artists, and this week is my first time featuring Sarah from Finding Charm.  Sarah creates budget friendly beaded jewelry and she maintains shops on FOUR different sites!  I have trouble juggling 2, lol.  So, I'm going to share with you one item from each shop.  First up, in no particular order...

 

her Etsy shop, where I found these way cool Gypsy Bohemian Gold Earrings.  "You won't find these Gypsy Bohemian Hoop Gold Earrings anywhere else! A variety of gold, creams, green and tan beads are used on the charms. The round hoops have a decorative etching on them. These are light and airy earrings that can be worn with any outfit to add fun and whimsy. Sing Gypsies, tramps and thieves wearing these gypsy gold earrings.
*The earrings dangle 1 1/2 inches and are 1 1/2 inches wide.
Go ahead, make it a gift set! Matching eyeglass chain: http://www.etsy.com/listing/63394396/delicate-gold-beaded-eyeglass-chain "

 

Next I visited her eCrater shop, where Hannah choose this Purple Statement Necklace.  "The purple pendant is my favorite in this Purple Statement Necklace. The oval pendant is an oblong plastic oval that appears to be 3D. The pendant has a purple back with lime green scroll while the rest is clear plastic to give it that 3 D look. The double strands are made of mixed greens and purples glass beads. The green strand shimmers with a variety of shades of greens such as lime green, grass green, and kelly green. The purple strand are rounded triangle beads of plum, lilac, lavender, and grape. The strands not only shine, but are full of textures and shapes.* The lightweight necklace measures 17 1/2 inches and a silver plated barrel clasp is the closure.* The statement pendant is 2 1/2 inches long and not quite 2 inches wide. "

Sarah started to create jewelry for herself because she could not find the "perfect piece" to go with a particular outfit.  Then she got hooked on beads.  I know that feeling!  "Hello, my name is Debbi and I'm a beadaholic".  LOL.  Next up....

 

her Zibbet shop.  I love the dainty feel of this Lampwork Charm Bracelet.  "Charm up your Spring or Summer outfit with this Lampwork Charm Bracelet and Charm Earrings. Do you like to garden? Know someone who does? A Floral Pastel Lampwork Charm Bracelet and Earrings are perfect for the gardener. Sweet floral pastel lampwork beads with a pink and blue floral design are used to make this charm bracelet and earrings. Blue and pink trumpet beads, blue glass beads and textured pink beads dance among the lampwork beads on silver plated rings. Beautiful addition to your Easter dress.* The handmade bracelet measures 8 inches and a silverplated lobster clasp is used.* Matching handmade earrings dangle shy of 2 inches."

 

And I found this final piece in her Artfire shop, a Holiday Red, Green, and Silver Badge Holder.  "Silver Christmas trees? Fun, spirited Holiday Red, Green, Silver Badge Holder is made with silver Christmas trees and red, green, and silver pearls. Wooden silver painted trees are the focal point on this whimsical id badge holder. Look closely, and you will see clear crystals inside the trees and subtle gold splatters resembling garland. The shimmering red and silver plastic pearls are the same size and slightly larger than the smaller green. The lanyard measures 22 inches to the bottom of the badge hook. Work in retail? Make your customers smile wearing a holiday id badge holder."

You can also find Finding Charm on Facebook and her Blog.  So it seems that there is no reason NOT to visit Finding Charm...Sarah is everywhere!

Be blessed,

Debbi

It's Better Handmade

There are soooo many social sites on the web, some dedicated to handmade, some not, some just for fun, and some just for business.  Well, It's Better Handmade is dedicated to helping artists connect, for fun and business.  On the About Page, you can read the in-depth description of all this site has to offer, but I'll tell you just a few for now.  This site is run by Kimberly, who is very passionate about handmade.  Her whole family is very artistic...Kimberly herself started at a young age when she caught the crafting bug from her grandmother.  She describes herself as an artist with Crafters ADD, (and I thought I was the only one, lol) and this love of art has been passed on to her own sons.

I first met Kimberly, and her husband Andrew, when I discovered the Handmadeartists site via Facebook.  Despite overseeing the 2,300 members of the Handmadeartists forum, they recently decided to purchase and revive It's Better Handmade.  And believe me, it is not just a copy of Handmadeartists, (you can open a shop and sell on Handmadeartists for a small monthly fee),  It's Better Handmade is a great social site all it's own.

There is a section for Featured Artists.  The latest feature is about Tissy's Treasures.  It's a great in-depth interview where you get to meet the artists behind the work.  You can submit your own shop for an artist feature, and there is a gallery where you can upload pictures of your latest and favorite creations.  When you post on your profile, everyone on the site can enjoy your items and thoughts, with lots of interaction and support and tips shared.  Just recently RiverRockArts shared this Cute Grey Kitten Wall Hanging, and Artbysunfire just created this awesome Index Card Pocket Binder.   If you sell on Etsy, you can link up with the IBHteam, and on Artfire you can join the IBHguild.  And for even more exposure, check out the IBH Facebook Group, Facebook Page, Flickr, Linkedin, Pinterest, and Twitter.    If you would like to advertise...you won't find any other site more reasonable.

So, there are enough links here to keep you busy for awhile.  Now go and see for yourself this great place, It's Better Handmade.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Tam's Jewelry at Handmade Artists

I am part of a blog ring on the Handmadeartist site and every week we bring to you one of the wonderful artists that has a shop on that site.  (To see ours, just click on the Home Decor tab at the top of our web page).  This blog ring is set up and monitored by Tammy Sultemeier.  Now I've just noticed that while everyone else is getting promoted, Tammy never sets herself up, so this week while they all blog about me :~D  I'm going to blog about Tammy!

Tammy makes beautiful jewelry.

Here we have some silver and black teardrop earrings.  They measure a full 3 3/4" long so they sweep your shoulders (unless you have a very long neck).  While the black teardrop beads and the silver teardrop hoops looks so elegant, the black chains give a great edge to this look.  And you know us biker chicks like our edge. LOL.  That's ride, Tammy rides a motorcycle, just like me.  And just like me, she rides sitting behind her husband letting him do all the work while we just take in the scenery.

In addition to earrings, Tammy designs unique necklaces, bracelets, and rings.  I can see this Triple Strand Gunmetal Black Necklace with the above earrings.  

 And as a lover of turquoise, and anything remotely Native American, so this OOAK Turquoise and silver bracelet is a must have for me.  So you better get it before I do...

If you're the kind of person whose accessories must match, Tammy creates sets.  I was drawn to this Baby Blue Pearl and Silver necklace and earrings set.  I find it so very feminine and delicate.  Yes, us biker chicks do have our softer sides. hahaha.  In her profile, Tammy states that she loves custom orders, so if you see a piece you like but want it as a set, or in a different color or length, so would be happy to please you.  Tammy is a very busy girl, not only does she have her shop on Handmadeartists, but she also has one on Etsy, Artfire, and Zibbet.  So click on these links and go see all that Tammy has to offer.

HA Shop / Etsy Shop / Artfire Shop / Zibbet Shop / Blog / Twitter

Be Blessed,

Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - children

Hello.  How are you?  I'm glad you came by, grab a cup of tea (or coffee) and a piece of coffee cake made by my BESTie friend Annie from Empty on the Inside.  Or if you prefer, Isobel from Coldhamcuddlies may have brought some English scones.  Ok, are we all settled in and ready to party????  Let's see what children's items I found...

Isn't this adorable? I found this Blue and Brown Elephant Door Sign in the Etsy shop of Little Monkey Doodles.  I love the name of this shop almost as much as this sign. Heehee.  This sign is a print of Jennifer's original artwork professionally mounted on wood and sealed, to last a life time.  A great item to keep forever.

How about this cute Frog Bath Puppet?  I found this in the Zibbet shop of Crochet Puppy Love.  Owen would love this...he loves bathtime, and that's pretty much the only time my bathroom floor gets a good washing, lol.  You'll also find many other great creatures wandering around this shop.

This week I took a stroll over to Artfire and found this sunshiny Sunflower Table and chairs by Great Custom Furniture.  The top of the table is a chalkboard for hours of fun.  When Amanda and her big brother were little, they had a table and chairs in their playroom, and played on it all the time.  You can also get this set in a different color and personalized, just convo them.  Ok, now let's see what you all brought to the party...remember this one is for the children, and if you don't carry children's items, that's ok, share whatever you like, I'm sure we'll like it too.  And until Monday, everyone have a safe, happy, and blessed weekend.

 

Saturday Shopping Link Up - Owen and Nancy

I'm mixing up my post for the day, I found a wonderful shop on Etsy and I took Owen to the mall yesterday.  I can't decide which to talk about, but since they both make me smile, I decided to combine them.  First the shop....Nancy's Craft Nook.  I found Nancy thru an Etsy circle thingy (actually she found me first) and when I went to visit her shop, I was greeted by these 3 little guys.

These needle felted Pink Elephants made me laugh out loud when I first saw them.  The details Nancy added to them are amazing.  I just now noticed how the one peeking out from his fingers is looking at the other two.  And the picture of their backsides shows their way cute little curly tails.  These were not created to be toys, but I'm sure Owen would love to play with them himself.  Now these elephants are way too cute...

...kind of like Owen trying to eat one of those frosted cookies you can find at the mall.  He likes to eat the frosting first, so he just plasters his face in the cookie top.  This is what I have a video of, but can't share it.  Owen loves sweets, but hates to get sticky, and he had green frosting everywhere, and he was trying his best to pick it off his fingers.  I couldn't get him to lick his fingers, and I got laughing too hard when he got green frosting up his nose!  Ok, back to Nancy...she is married to a Denver Bronco's coach...knows nothing about football, and loves the Beatles.  Like her I know nothing about football, but Owen loves to watch sports.  We are Buffalo Sabres fans here (hockey) and Owen will shout "HE SCORES!" complete with some arm pumping.  Of course, he doesn't care which team is scoring, lol.

Nancy also has a 2 dogs and 8 canaries...and her love for birds could explain this wonderful birdhouse!  This is now on  my favorites list, and come spring....I may be placing an order myself.  So if you want it, get it now.  And how about this sock monkey chair for Owen's time out chair?  Or would that just make time out too much fun, hahaha.

 Here are 2 places in the mall that Owen does like to sit in, as long as I didn't turn them on.  He's not crazy about items that move under it's own power, lol.  And he wouldn't go near Santa!  He just watched all the other kids, and I'm sure the ones that screamed and cried only reinforced Owen's reluctance to get close, hahaha.  You can find Nancy and her amazing creations at the above links, and you can like her facebook page here.  Now for our linky party...I know I missed last week, and I do apologize...so this week, let's share whatever makes you smile!!!!  Just click on the linky frog below, then share this post with your friends.  And since you won't hear from me tomorrow, Amanda and I would like to wish all our friends a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!!!
Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - old is new again

I've been reading a lot about Googles new Panda algorithm, which is the newest way Google searches and crawls blogs and shops and everything.  It seems to me that Google is now looking not only for newer links, but also pertinent and interesting subjects.  All the more reason to blog a variety, and more often.  And with everyone trying to get Google to find them, and renewing all the time, I thought that this would be a good time to get some of our oldest items back out there for the world to see!  So that's what I want you to link up, the oldest item in your shop....and to that end, let me share with you some old listings from some Etsy, Arfire, and Zibbet vintage shops....

You know, I really hate how things I grew up with are now considered vintage! hahaha.  But I did have a name bracelet like this one, they were very much the rage in the early 70's.  I found this in the Etsy shop  Diament Jewelry.  

I found this Sarah Coventy Bracelet in the Artfire shop lovebeadsdesigns.  These were also very popular back in my teen years, not that teens wore them much, but our mothers did, and this jewelry was sold at home parties, much like Tupperware.  I loved looking thru the catalogs, and I even had a piece myself, it was a mesh belt and buckle bracelet.

Now, lets jump up a decade to the 80's and check out this great wide silver cuff bracelet.  Just look at the detail, and look at the other items in the Zibbet shop of Sweetie2Sweetie. 

So now it's your turn, link up any vintage item you may have, or just link up the oldest item in your shop.  Link up more if you like, then share this page and invite your friends to this weeks linky party.

Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - snow and cold

Sorry I'm late. I had a wonderfully good time last night at our Creative Memories Christmas Open House scrapbooking party. I had a good time, but got home late. Then this morning, we needed to run for hay, the horses don't care if I have a blog waiting...hahaha. So today I'm looking for something cold, snowy, white, you get the idea. So let's go see what we can find. First Etsy..

When I searched and this photo came up, well since it's the horses fault I'm late, teehee, I had to choose this black and white horse photo. I love the contrast from the pretty white snowflakes, and the horse just standing there. When you look close you can see the wind blowing the tail, brrrrrr, cold. You can find more great photos at moonlight photography. Now onto Artfire....

Now, what's winter without penguins. Let me introduce you to Rupert the Penguin. He's a bobby pin. A pair actually, and very cute too. My kids loved the movie Happy Feet, so of course they want to go to the theater and see Happy Feet 2, but I'm cheap (I prefer the term frugal) so we'll wait till it comes out on DVD and have it forever. lol. Now if you go to the shop of Very Vintage, you'll find a great collections of items to purchase for Christams gifts. You'll even find a set of cuff links in the shape of a steak, for the manly meat eater in your life. Or the vegitarian who dreams of meat, hahaha. sorry, mean me. :~D Ok, let's try Zibbet this week...

I thought I would look for something black and white (see above 2 items) but then I saw and fell in love with this cute little snowman. How can you not fall for that little grin on this smiling snowman greeting card? I found this in the shop Dorcas, and here you'll find not only other original greeting cards, but some embroidery pieces as well. Embroidery seems to be a "dying" craft, you don't see much of it anymore, but I remember learning from my mom and how fun it was to make our own designs and pictures.

Well, that's all I have to share today. What would you like to share? Just link up below, and invite your friends.
Debbi

Saturday Shopping Link Up - pay it forward

Friends.  Where would we be without friends in our lives.  I can honestly say that my husband is my best friend, but let's face it girls, there are just some things we can't talk about to men.  So my daughter Amanda is my next best friend.  It is nice when your family are also your friends.  So that is today's linky party theme.  Friends.  And friends do for each other, but before we start the party, let's see what Etsy has for friends.

Oh my, I love this original oil painting by Dorothy L Morgon.  It's titled "Best Friends and Sisters".  That aptly describes my relationship with my sisters.  We've had our ups and downs, times of talking, and times of fighting.  But bottom line, no-one talks about my sisters....but me of course, lol.

I decided to branch out this week, and I found these best friends forever necklaces in the Artfire shop of SilentGoddess.  Now what young girl didn't have a best friend in school?  I had several, but there was my BFF Patty Oldfield, and we had necklaces something like these.  Hmmm, time to call her again. :~D

And these Alaska Friendship Baskets come from the HandmadeArtistsShop of AlaskaBaskets.  Made of embroidery floss and jute cord spokes, these little baskets are so very bright and pretty.  And 50% of the proceeds go to charitable causes, mostly to help prevent suicide among Alaskan natives.  Because that's what friends do, they help each other.

Now for the linky party rules...this week you CAN NOT list your items, you must PAY IT FORWARD and list an item from a friends shop.  I tested this on Pixel Berry's blog hop, just put in the URL for your friends shop, but your own email address (hidden).  Then pick your favorite item in your friends shop.  Then make sure you let your friend know how much you care, with a link to this blog, so your friend can then pay it forward.  Share the love!

Debbi