The CraftStar Catalog

The CraftStar has started something new a few months ago - 

The CraftStar Catalog.

And this week, I am a part of it with my 

Silver Ruffle Scarf.

This is a lightweight scarf that measures a full 58" long, so you can wear in long, or double it for a fuller look.  It's created with a soft metallic yarn that shimmers when you move, so it would look amazing paired with a black dress for your festive holiday office party.  Plus, I am almost finished with a matching clutch (just need to sew in the lining) to complete your look.

Here are two of my favorite items from this weeks catalog...

I love the Southwest look, especially any turquoise.  So when I saw these beads, I was ready to snatch them up.  But guess what?

THIS IS SOAP!

I love it!  Little rock shaped pieces of soap created to look like real turquoise, right down to the gold veins.

You'll find this at Rock Hound Soap.

Speaking of beads, all creatives need supplies.  And I have to admit that beads are a weakness of mine. (Along with paint and yarn, lol)

So I have to share these incredible glow-nouveau mirage beads.  (Think mood beads of the 70's).

These change color as they get warm - or cold.  So much fun!  Find them at Poppie's Beads N More.

There is more to be seen in The CraftStar Catalog...and even more on The CraftStar site.

So go get your shopping on!!!

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

Faith Community Fest

This past Saturday I participated in a local festival, The Faith Community Fest.

The promoters did a great job setting this up, there was about 100 vendors, including food, direct marketers, and of course, HANDMADE!!  There was also live music and entertainment.  The weather was nice and didn't get too hot until it was time to pack up. lol

The only down part, there wasn't a lot of foot traffic.  :0(

But this did give me the chance to play around with my tent set up, and to meet new artists.

Look at the new set up.

I love my hot pink tent....so easy to see in a sea of white. lol  The only drawback was it was a little too pinky dark under the tent.  I'll have to look into maybe some pretty string lights and a small generator. And some longer table skirts.  Opps.  I thought I had purchased 2 flat grey sheets, but one of them turned out to be fitted.  Now there are pluses to both, so I'm thinking a flat sheet (for length) with a fitted sheet on top, what do you think?  The small table in the back was a last minute purchase, thus the plastic cover. 

I try to fit the items I offer to the type of show I'm at, the promoter sent out a list of vendors and I could see what else was being offered, so here I had less jewelry and more crochet.  In the basket were some children sized crowns and ninja masks.  And the new card holders were Hannah's idea.  Much easier than the slinky, and easier to carry and display the cards.  They didn't tip over or blow away.  The star blanket turned out to be a wonderful background!

Here's the small table, just the perfect size for these shelves.  I'm working on how to hang cloth from the back to hide where I keep my phone and drinks when I'm sitting back there.  hmmmm, any ideas?

You may recognize these shelves from my last show.  I love the shutter look, but they were just too big and bulky to cart around.  So I had Chuck cut them in half, and they worked out great.  I love the colors of light grey back with the pink/red shelves.  Now I plan to repaint the other shelves to match.  And I like the way the shelves set off the whole tent area as separate from everyone other booth around me.  I also want to get a small area rug, maybe a large welcome mat, to really draw people into the booth.

So, what do you think?

What should I change?

What should I keep the same?

Be blessed,

Debbi

Another Wild and Wacky Wednesday

It's been a while since I've done a wild and wacky Wednesday,

 and where better to look than Pinterest.

How is this for some summer beach wear? lol  These are both from the same source page oddee.com

Ummmm.....no.  And.......Heck Yeah!

I'm  betting you won't find either of these posters on Antiques Roadshow. :0)

Just click on any image to visit the site.

Be blessed,

Debbi