A Handmade Monday

When you shop, do you look at the tags? Do you care where (or how) the item was made? Do you look for quality or just the price?  Are you a "keep it and care for it" kind of person, or do you just let it fall apart and then "trash it and buy more"?

I have to admit, I'm a little bit of both.  I do look at the labels when I am shopping, and I am trying my best to support the "made in the USA" label, and you can find great deals with products made here.  When I am shopping for myself, I don't mind spending over $100 for a dress, or close to that for a pair of shoes, because I am definitely a "keep it and care for it" personality type.  But if I'm shopping for my teen daughter, who is definitely a "trash it and buy more" type, I refuse to pay a lot for an outfit that I know will end up on the floor of her closet. lol.  Her homeschool prom is coming up and our go-to store for her is Ross.  Her prom gown only cost $30.   Perfect.

Now to get to my main subject...handmade.
If you want quality....go handmade.  For some reason, (probably advertising), people think that when something is handmade it is not made as well as something made with a machine.  Helloooooo.  Have you checked the stitching and seams of the imported clothes hanging in Walmart?  Or the cheap jewelry you find hanging on endcaps?  Or (my pet peeve) the $5.00 jewelry you'll find at craft shows?  They ARE NOT handmade, they are cheap imports that will fall apart.  So, to combat the false images of "nice jewelry, cheap", let me show you some totally awesome and unique pieces of art that you wear, and keep forever, and then pass on as a family heirloom.

Harlequin Bracelet

I am amazed by the intricacies of chainmaille.  And I just happen to know a wonderful chainmaille artist, Alix.  Alix shares her creations at The Alchemists Vessel.
She created a bracelet for me, my choice of color...I still have it, and I love it!
Check her out.

teal macrame bracelet

Remember the macrame craze of the 80's?
The friendship bracelet craze of the 90's?
Take that and add beads, and you have some totally unique creations from KnotJustMacrame.
I follow Sherri on facebook, and if you follow her too, you'll get to see her during the creation process.  Plus, she's just fun.

silver and citrine earrings

And lastly, how about some wire wrapping?  Just look at the work put into these silver and citrine earrings by AOA jewelry.

Now it's your turn.  Your turn to decide if you're going to go for cheap, or quality?

I'll take quality any day.

Be blessed,
Debbi

TBC Artist Feature - Theresa Smith from Wear Lucy

Do you purchase items from the local big box store?  With lots of imported items to choose from?

Or, like me, do you prefer the beauty and quality of a uniquely handcrafted item?

It's time for another artist feature, to help you find that special something.  And this time, the shop I'm featuring from Scott's Marketplace is

Theresa Smith from Wear Lucy.

orange sea glass toggle bracelet

What is the story behind your shop name? My shop name (Wear Lucy) is a kind of tribute to my grandmother - we share a middle name: Lucille. She was always making something - sewing or crochet. 

Where, when, how did you learn your craft?

I am mostly self taught, learning from magazines and maybe a few videos. Some things I just figure out on my own. I love to look at other jewelry and figure out how it was put together. I got my start after my sister in law introduced me to jewelry making by showing me some pieces she had made. 

raw ruby chain lariat necklace

What has been your biggest obstacle, or challenge, to finding and achieving success? 

Time and reach. Since I work full time and also run a small graphic design business, I don't get to spend as much time as I would like making jewelry. This limits my selection. It also restricts my marketing efforts, as as a result, my reach.

Tell us a little about your family life...married, kids, pets, 

I am married for almost 16 years to my best friend and have two beautiful children, one teenager and one preteen.  

Tell us a little bit about where you live....city, farm, suburb.

I live about a half hour north of Charlotte. Our neighborhood is smaller than some developments which I love.  (and she's only about 20 minutes from me in Stony Point)

solar quartz

Share a story / memory of your childhood. One of my fondest memories from childhood is sitting on my grandmother's lap as she taught me to color. 

Tell us something about you that no-one else might know.

Many people don't know that I served in the U.S. Navy as a welder. 

olive wood pen

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be, and why? 

This is a tough one! I can't seem to think of any after racking my brain LOL. With my hectic schedule I can't remember the last time I even read an entire book!

Share your social media links and where we can find you on the internet. 

My Scott's Marketplace 

www.scottsmarketplace.com/store/wearlucy/

Instagram

www.instargram.com/wearlucy

Facebook

www.facebook.com/wearlucy

Pinterest

www.pinterest.com/wearlucy/

leather and quartz wrap

Pick a favorite item from your shop, and why is it your favorite.

This is a tough one, but I'd have to say my favorite is one of my newest listings, the Leather and Quartz wrap bracelet. This is one I spent a lot of time making and love how it turned out.

What advise would you give a new artist just starting out? 

Don't go off and buy a bunch of beads on a whim! I made this mistake and wasted a lot of money on things I didn't end up using because my taste changed very quickly. I would say buy based on specific projects you have in mind first, then as you find your own style, you can more confidently buy in bulk.

Do you have any special coupon codes for our readers?

For 15% off they can use ARTFEAT16

I want to thank Theresa for being such a good sport, most artists don't answer all the questions, so this feature was fun, and I love her work.  

Now it's your turn, click on any link to visit her shop and check out all her other items.

And if you live in the area...be sure to support this local small business, that's the ultimate goal of Scott's Marketplace.  Until next time...

Be blessed,

Debbi

YBC Artist Feature - Jackie Gallagher from Kurbaga Artisans

Are you a Lego's fan?  Is someone you love love Lego's?  Then have I found something you NEED!

Lego Boy Cuff Links

It's Emmett!!!  And these lego boy cufflinks are the creation of this weeks artist feature...

Jackie Gallagher from

Kurbaga Artisans on Scott's Marketplace.

Jackie kindly answered a few of my crazy questions...so here we go...

What is the story behind your shop name?

The story behind my shop name is an interesting one, My shop name is Kurbaga Artisans, and Kurbaga is Turkish for frogs, and the reason for this is that I love frogs, they are happy little creatures that are always singing a song.  So when I needed a shop name my son decided to research the word frog in different languages, as he had done this as a young child when we had him research the word 'spot' in foreign languages as we had a litter of Dalmatian puppies and we were naming all the puppies Spot in a foreign language.

Where, when, how did you learn your craft?

 I have always been on the creative side for as longs I can remember in one form or another, so when I decided that I wanted to make jewelry more of a career I started taking classes anywhere and everywhere so that I could refine my skills.

What has been your biggest obstacle, or challenge, to finding and achieving success?

 My biggest obstacle/challenge is finding time to do everything, like website, marketing, design & build, networking etc., it always seems that something gets left out.

Kate

Tell us a little about your family life...married, kids, pets, etc.

Tell us a little bit about where you live....city, farm, suburb.

 I am married for 30 years and we have one son and 3 fur babies (a 13 yr old Australian Shepard, a 9 yr old Chocolate Lab, and a 6 yr old Shih Tzu)

We live in Crofton, Md. so we are really close to beautiful city of Annapolis, but can quickly reach Washington DC and Baltimore, Md, so we have a little bit of everything near us.

Share a story / memory of your childhood.

Being able to go to the river to and spend the day sailing, catching Md Blue Crabs and then coming home with them for my mom to cook.

If you could be a fictional character, who would you be, and why?

Tinkerbell, because she flies all around the place

Lily Pad Lounge Frog Necklace

Share your social media links and where we can find you on the internet.

http://www.facebook.com/kurbagaartisans

 twitter - @kurbagaartisans

www.kurbagaartisans.com

Pick a favorite item from your shop, and why is it your favorite.

 Favorite item from my shop - would be my Lilypad Lounging Pendant or my Tree of Life pendant, my Lilypad Lounging because it has a frog on lilypad and most lilypads are beautiful to look at, and the Tree of Life because the Tree is the foundation of strength  & family, I usually wear the 2 together and receive lots of complements

What advise would you give a new artist just starting out?

hone in on one particular area and become really good at it, and always have people who will rally around you for support.

Do you have any special coupon codes for our readers?

 Debbi15, use it at checkout for 15% off

I love meeting new people, and getting to know the creative soul behind the creations, don't you?

Click on any links to visit Jackie's shop to see what else she has to offer, you'll enjoy the trip.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Scott's Marketplace

For many reasons I have chosen to close my shop at The CraftStar.  Which left me looking for a place to list my items, and in my search I've discovered

Scott's Marketplace.

It's a unique site, not because it's for handmade items only because it's not, but because it promotes local small businesses.  You can browse shop by location, so you can support your local economy.  

There is a vibrant handmade community at Scott's, so let's see what I can find....

I just love the bright colors of this statement necklace from Alice's Chic Boutique.  She even named it..."Lilly".

I love handcrafted soaps.  The prettier, the better.

And I love color...so this Pear Berry Soap by 

Belladonna's Soaps fills both those requirements.  And I bet it smells really good. too.

It's hard to tell what's cuter, this spring Easter hat, or the model wearing it?  I found this in the shop Blackberry Crochet.  There are tons of items in this shop, and well worth a look.

And lastly, here's my new shop there.

And to get into the holiday mood, here's a happy reindeer card to share with someone special.

Be sure to stop and check out all the great items at Scott's Marketplace.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Visiting Old Friends

It's been too long since I've gone handmade shopping, and too long since I've spent time with old friends.  So today I will do both...let's see what new creations my old friends have to offer.

Isobell Morrell loves giving old teddy bears new life, and creating adorable new animal toys for kids of all ages.  Her shop on Etsy is Coldham Cuddlies.  You'll love it there.

Percy Penguin is the newest member of the Coldham Cuddlies family.  He stands about 7.5" and would make baby (or big baby) a great forever friend.

Isobel makes each animal by hand, and made to order.  So you are getting quality and unique toys.  And like I said, she also can take your old best buddy and infuse them with new life.  Check out her shop, and follow her adventures living in the country side in jolly old England by reading her blog,

Coldham Cuddlies Calling.

I don't know about you, but I love lists.  Notes.  To-do lists.  And while I've tried all those fancy apps, nothing beats a clean page and a new pen.
And that's why I love Blue Highways over at Handmade Artist.  Take this Heart of Nature handbound journal. You will never find something this amazing and personal at Amazon.
Andrea drew the old Victrola and painted the flowers on this fabric cover.  She cut the 200 lined pages and sewed (yes, sewed) them into the journal and then added a small frosted red bead for an accent on the spine.  I have watched videos of how books are made (minus the machines), and the amount of work is unreal.  The best part?  These journals are not that expensive.  And they would be the best gift you could give your favorite word nerd.  She also has art journals with unlined pages.







Lastly, I met Teena at a local craft show last fall, and then she joined me over at The CraftStar.  And she is the perfect choice for what I wanted to share next...wire wrapped jewelry.
Check out this amazing Amber Wire Wrapped pendant.  The color and wrap of this copper wire accents this genuine amber stone perfectly.   There has been a push lately of some $5.00 jewelry company, I've seen their direct marketing booths at local craft shows, and let me tell you, that jewelry can not compare to handcrafted jewelry.  This pendant will be something you'll pass on down through the years to your children, and their children.  Teena's business is Serendipitini and not only does she offer jewelry, but pet items, and beautiful glass artwork.

So ends my shopping trip for today.  Remember, the holiday season is not far away, so support your local small business and shop handmade.

Be blessed,
Debbi

Doing A Little Window Shopping

I finally got to spend some time in my studio yesterday...but with a space heater as my only source of heat, it was just too cold to stay there long.  But I got some work done on a bracelet, and sorting out my other mess.  Now I'm ready to see what great handcrafted items I can find on my favorite sites.

Let's visit my main digs...The CraftStar

I love the casual color and style of this dark silver heart necklace from Island Girl Expressions.  I just think this would look great with jeans and a comfy button down shirt...laid back and feminine...all at the same time.

These vintage pot holder dresses are just too adorable!!!!  You can find these and other great vintage doilies in the shop Chameleon.

I love this Bridal Clutch from MyEuropeanTouch.  I would use this for more than just a wedding (especially since I'm already married, lol).  This would be great for any special occasion.

Now let's go visit my old friends over at Handmade Artists.

I WANT THIS!!!!

What a totally awesome beauty of life sterling silver cuff from Nicilaskin.

AND I WANT THIS!!!

This copper lobster trap sea glass pendent is a great idea for a fun feel of summer.  If you think it's too big for a necklace, hang it in your kitchen window so you can dream of being a beach bum while washing your dishes.  lol

Check out the shop Petra Designs for more awesome items.

And for my last share of the day...

the blue stone of this sterling silver pendant just takes my breath away!!

Shablool Jewelry's shop has even more amazing items in it...

Now it's your turn....what's on your wish list today?

Be blessed,

Debbi

Attention All Musicians...

It's been a while since I've featured a handmade artist on my site, and even longer since I've featured one from Etsy.  But when I saw the creations from Black Flamingo Design on one of my facebook feeds, I knew I had to share.

sheet music

Valentine Fleur-de-lis

Groovy

Louise Iacono is the artist behind this shop, and she creates this amazing jewelry from guitar picks.  I have been playing the guitar for years, and just recently started to play the mandoline....

but I never would have thought of this...and I will never look at a pick the same way again. lol

She not only makes bracelets, but earrings...with guitar strings and picks.

pink leopard string earrings

So if you're a musician, or a rock star wannabe...you need to visit this shop today.

Be blessed,

Debbi

My Black Friday Sale

Today I am offering 20% everything in my shop

 use the coupon code blackfriday at checkout, and then visit the other great shops at The CrafStar.

be blessed,

Debbi

The Creative Community Celebrates!

The wonderful people at The Craft Star have come up with another great idea!

Celebrating the creativity in YOU!

Every day a new artist will be celebrated, on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, any where you can find handcrafting supporters on the web.  Today we are celebrating Kottage Kreations, and this is my favorite piece in her shop.

Blue Bird Bliss Birds Nest Jewelry

This is how the celebration works....

The Creative Community Celebrates!

Please join us today in celebrating Kottage Kreations.  Why?  As a wide ranging community of creatives we should be celebrating each other!  By you sharing the links below, you're showing your appreciation for Kottage Kreations's creativity, you're giving a boost to a small business, you're giving this shop a pat on the back of congratulations, and a HUGE virtual hug!   Wouldn't we ALL love that?

Please check out Kottage Kreations and find an item you really love.  Share it, Tweet it, Pin it, SHOUT IT OUT TO THE WORLD!  Use the hashtag #TCSCelebrates and you might win a free month or two on The CraftStar!

Suggestions of messaging to use:

Tweet:  Check out a great collection of stamped jewelry for everyone!  http://kottagekreations.thecraftstar.com/ #TCSCelebrates

Facebook:  As part of the creative community, I'm celebrating Kottage Kreations.  Check out her gorgeous handmade jewelry and SHARE this post!!!  #TCSCelebrates

Pin:  I love this hand-stamped jewelry!  As part of the creative community, I'm celebrating Kottage Kreations.  Check this shop out!  #TCSCelebrates (http://kottagekreations.thecraftstar.com/)

#thecraftstar #TCSCelebrates #beunique

So, come on and celebrate!!!!

Be blessed,

Debbi

Time for a little window shopping...

Man, I really need to win the Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes...

Isn't this cute?  A perfect gift for Hannah.  (Like she needs more stuff).

Handmade In Chico has tons of great scrabble jewelry.  This one I found in their The Craft Star shop.

I just can't stay away from this southwestern bracelet by Red Lacewing Jewelry Design.  This is a new shop at The Craft Star, she just opened a few days ago.

Hair clips like this Silver Celtic Cross Slide Barrette were all the rage when I was a teen.  It's nice to see that they are making a comeback.  (I sill have one of mine from way back when).  This is in the shop of Dara Gallery over at Handmade Artists.

My step-daughter used to collect masks, and she would have LOVED this pink and silver brocade mask.  Guess where I found it...

yep, at Dara Gallery's shop.  She's my newest favorite place to visit.

Color, color, color!!!  What a great "seapunk" wrap bracelet by One Eye Cat Studio.  This shop is on Etsy.

Well, it's time to stop spending money and time to start making money.  I'll be at The Evening Farmers Market in Pecan Park in Statesville tonight, and I need to get my stuff together. :0)

Be blessed,

Debbi

Window Shopping Wednesday (Yes I Know It's Thrusday)

It may be Thursday, but Window Shopping Wednesday has a certain ring to  it. lol

I don't know how others do it, but we get paid only once a month, so while yesterday we were dead flat broke, today we are loaded! (at least until I budget my monthly bills, hahaha)  So let's go shopping.....

First stop, The Craft Star...

Don't you just love these sunny fun feathered friends?  I saw a goldfinch in my yard yesterday...and the color was so bright it took my breath away.  This is a vintage painting framed and ready to hang from Timely Treasured Threads.

Cute, cute, cute.  Here is an adorable crochet hat, just in time for the back to school fashion parade.  According to the description, togs4tots2 can make this up to size 5T.  And I bet she could make it the color of your choice also if you just ask.

Here's a new item from my buddy Alix at The Alchemist Vessel.  I am amazed by chainmaill, and Alix is very talented with these little rings.  I just love these earrings with genuine amethyst beads.

Now let's visit Handmade Artists...

If you're a country gal (like me) you'll like this new offering from Tom's Crafts.  A working wooden horse mailbox.  Giddy up!

Then I hopped on over to Etsy.  I don't usually shop there anymore because it's hard to find original handmade items on the front page, so I checked up on some of my favorite shops.  It turns out that so many of my favorites are no longer selling there, but I did find an old friend of mine, Mystic Wynd.

Karen and I spent a lot of time together promoting other shops through our blog ring team, the BESTeam.  I see her more now over on facebook, but I wanted to share these totally groovy retro earrings.

Now I have to take some of you handmade artists to task...I absolutely love sharing and promoting new shops and items, BUT if your item photographs are dark or blurry, OR if you have not taken the time to fill out your profile and make up a shop banner, I will not feature you here.  No matter how much I like your item, I want my blog to be followed, and liked, and respected, and that will never happen if I don't work hard at it.  And I want my featured artists to feel the same way.

Do you have an online presence where you sell handmade or vintage?  Drop me a link in a comment, and you could end up as a featured artist too.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Friday Feature Artists - TXGulfCoastCreations

This week our Handmade Artists Forum blog ring featured artist is a...

surprise.

As in, we each get to chose an artist not in the ring, and brag on them.

It's a lot of fun, and we have shared several new artists in our ring this way.  I've chosen an artist that is active in the forum, TXGulfCoastCreations.

I like the look of this beaded crochet choker.  It's created with soft crochet thread, so it is soft and light, and accented with pretty copper colored glass beads.  This is tied around your neck, so it is completely adjustable.  Very pretty, don't you think?

Here is a great gift for the young girl in your life, a set of ivory and pink soft washclothes and facial scrubbies.  A great way to encourage your teen to start a lifetime of good, and pretty, hygiene.

I absolutely fell in love with this teal necklace and bracelet set.  Such a unique style, and they are created that you can untwist it a bit if you need more length.  Very creative.

You can also find TXGulfCoastCreations at the following sites.

Twitter / Facebook / Tumbler / RebelMouse

Be blessed,
Debbi

New Listings at Yankee Burrow

I've been trying hard to increase the quantity of my inventory in my shop, and I've managed to get quite a few items listed.  My problem is not in the creating....it's in taking photos and thinking of tags and descriptions and SEO and promoting and blah blah blah. hahaha

 

 

I have been on a baby kick lately.  I "discovered" the cutest patterns for baby booties and footwear from Two Girls Patterns, and these Bright Orange Sandals are just one pattern of many.  These orange ones are sized for 6-12 months.

 

 

Here's the same pattern, but in Bright Yellow and sized 0-6 months.  Both sandals have hot pink buttons, but I used heart shaped buttons for the smaller ones.

 

 

How's this for color?  I had created this Acrylic Blue Flower Necklace for my old shop, but then I redid it and created 2.  One for me, and one for you. :0)

 

 

Here's a new piece for my vintage section, a green and rhinestone choker.   I found this at a local estate sale, and the colors are so much prettier in real life.  (I really need to work on my photography skills, lol.)  It makes me think of Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast At Tiffany's.

 

 

This last item is a crochet star blanket that I just finished, after the 4th of July of course, haha.  These are just some quick pictures, and hopefully I will have better pictures and this listed next week.

 

You can find all these (except the blanket) waiting for you in my The Craft Star Shop.  Just click on the item link.

 

So, what have you made lately?

 

Be blessed,

Debbi