My Last Show Of The Season

As if November wasn't busy enough, I crazily thought I would enter a few craft shows.  Kind of dip my toes into the water kind of thing to see if I want to jump into the arts and crafts show season next year.  Well, one of the shows was cancelled (I didn't complain) and the other one asked me to bring something other than crochet items.  Now, the majority of items in my shop are crochet, so I spent a week just drawing and coloring cards.  Forget eating, sleeping and showering. lol  Here's a few pictures of my "booth".

Here's an "overview" of my booth.  I had a 10' x 10' space, and since it was indoors I didn't need to worry about the weather, so that was a nice bonus.  Chuck helped me design and create my displays.  Well, it was more like I got an idea then it was "hey Chuck, can you make this?"

And he did.  Love my man!

This is my Rusty Art that I spent the week completing.  I call it "Rusty Art" because my mom's nickname was Rusty, and these are her sketches.  She was a very talented artist, and participated in many shows in NY, most notably, The Allentown Art Festival in Buffalo.  In order to supplement the sales of her larger pieces, she would make these wonderful cartoon pictures for the kids.  My sister and I would help her by filling in the pictures with color, and this is how I learned to use pencils, and pastels, and about the hue and tone and value of color.  When my mom passed, I inherited her sketches, so in her memory, I share her "Rusty Art".

This is one of the display ideas I had that Chuck helped me with, and trust me, we had no idea how to do this.  I saw this in an antique shop and loved the idea and took pictures for future use, but let me tell you, this display is NOT a one-man job. lol.  Trying to hold up the shutter doors while sliding the shelves through was like an old slap stick comedy.  But we got it, and it looked great.  This was for my seasonal items.

The blue rack is the one I usually use for my scarves, but since they didn't want more scarves, I used it for my crochet indian poncho.  I made this several years ago, and love it.  The pattern is very intricate (lots of ends to weave in) and it is done in a suede yarn (which I will never use again).  And it is very HEAVY.  It kept sliding off the rack.  The blanket next to it is a very large star pattern made in a loose crochet pattern.

This was my one and only table, filled with my small items, and business cards.  I had electricity so I was able to show customers my online shop.  I really liked that.

And my last picture for today, the big sellers of the day.  My handpainted gift bags.  I sold out!  Yea me! lol

I displayed them on an old window frame that Chuck added feet and hooks too.  I have another one in the shed waiting for me to remove the glass for more bags and ornaments next year.

I have to say, I really enjoyed doing the show, and I do plan on entering more next year.  Time for me to start saving some money for a tent!

Did you do any shows this year?

Be blessed,

Debbi

fun with color

Growing up I had a Spirograph and I loved it.  The fun of creating all those crazy designs, I felt like such an artist. Lol

Yesterday I downloaded a cool art app on my tablet, Kaleidoo and it's like a graphic Spirograph.  Here are a few of my creations...

So much fun. 

I'm thinking of printing these on some greeting cards,

what do you think?

Be blessed,

Debbi

Why You Need A Light Box

The weather here (just like everywhere) has been really crappy lately, so I have not been able to take my items pictures outside in natural light.  I was taking my item pictures in my studio, but right now I don't have heat up there, so it's slowly turned into a storage shed more than anything else, and I can't get to my picture taking area.  So I decided to bring my background into my kitchen to take pictures of items so I could get them listed in my The Craft Star shop.  This is what I ended up with, even after "fixing" them with my Picasa program....a yellow tint on my white cards.  Yuck.

I auto exposed it...I lightened it...I tried everything, then just got flustered / frustrated and listed 2 cards this way.  On The Craft Star site there is a section of help where I found a link to instructions on making a light box.  So I went shopping for a box and paper and went to work.

 

Here it is with just the overhead light on.  Still kind of yellow. 

Here is is with 1 lamp.  I didn't like the shadow, much, so back to the store for another lamp for the other side of the box.

And here's the result.  Drum roll please.....

..........................

What a difference!!!!

So I spent a whole afternoon taking pictures of my new cards, and scarfs, and some vintage items I have yet to list.  Now to come up with tags and great descriptions....and yes, The Craft Star has a how to for them also.  :0)

You can find this card and my other ones, here in my Rusty Art section of my Yankee Burrow shop 

on The Craft Star.  And you can read about the history of my Rusty Art here.

So, do you use a light box???

Be blessed,

Debbi

Getting ready for Valentines Day...at The Craft Star

There's still a few weeks to go before the big chocolate day!!!!  Here's a few wonderful items I found at The Craft Star to give to your sweetie, (or to keep for yourself).

Isn't this Valentines Day wreath AWESOME?  That snowflake at the bottom is a perfect accent, and the butterfly at the top reminds us that summer is coming.  I found this in the shop of Designs by Tiffany.

Valentines Day is not just for adults either.  Every year my mother-in-law gave each of my children a chocolate heart with their names on them, and they so looked forward to that.  And I picked this necklace because this is the song I sang my youngest to sleep with every night.  You are my Sunshine. All of my children are my sunshine, so if you have kids (or not) you can give this necklace to the babies mommy. :0)  You'll find this necklace in the shop of Jabber Jewels. 

And this last item is my contribution to the Valentines Day band wagon.  My original baby elephant card.  The sketch is my late mothers, and whenever I recreate one of her designs, I feel close to her again.  Isn't he a cutie?  On the inside it says "Be My Valentine".  Who can resist?  This is listed in my shop Yankee Burrow.

(fyi....the card is actually white, but there is no heat in my studio for me to spend any time in there to take pictures, and it's too windy outside, so right now this is the best I can get.)

Are you ready for Valentine's Day?

Be blessed,

Debbi

It's a party...a real, old fashioned, face to face, party

Who remembers Tupperware Parties?  Or Sarah Coventry parties?  Or more recently, Pampered Chef parties?  Well, the big brains over at The Craft Star  have come up with a new way for their vendors to show off, and sell, their handmade products.  It's a come to the house and eat some chips and check out the goodies we have to offer party.  

antiqued copper pendant

black fedora hat

watercolor cards

This is just a small sample of the totally awesome products that will be for sale at the party.
Connie Bush will be hosting the party at New Beginnings Church in Pickens SC, and there will be samples from each shop represented at the party, for her guests to handle and admire. :-)
And after the party, all the samples will be for her to keep as a hostess gift, pretty cool.
The party will be held August 28th, but you can visit the party on line anytime between now and then to place your order, before anyone else.  Remember, doing your gift giving shopping this way not only supports small business, but you also receive quality handmade products, and most of them are original one of a kind items.  Great for gift giving, and for keeping to yourself. lol
So come on over, let's party hearty!
Be blessed,
Debbi

I've been crafty this week...look at what I made...

I finally got a good chunk of time this week to spend in my studio...and I wanted to share with you what I created, and have listed in my HandmadeArtists shop.

First up is a burgundy colored wooden cross.  I used mod podge and more paint to add some texture to the front, then these 2 butterflies came to join this symbol of new life.

This shell and silver chain bracelet has been bouncing around in my brain for a while, and after attaching by hand each individual shell, I almost decided to keep it for myself.  If it doesn't sell soon, maybe I will. LOL

This last listing is my favorite.  Not too long ago I was searching for something in my studio when I came across some of my late mothers cartoon sketches.  I sat there and just let the memories of helping her at the local art shows when I was just a child wash over me.  So, to honor her, I decided to use her sketches for a line of greeting cards...which I named "Rusty Cards".  These ballerinas were transferred to blank greeting cards, and then I used colored pencils and acrylic paint to bring them to life.  I hope you love them as I do. 

Well, that's what I did last week...and I'm looking forward to another crafty week.

How about you?  What have you created lately?

Be blessed,

Debbi

Spring has sprung in the BESTeam

Spring officially started on the 20th of this month, but the weather has been spring for many weeks now.  And I love it!  So today I want to share with you the flowers blooming in the BESTeam.
I love having my jewelry match, and you'll find some great pieces that match, at BlueWhiteWear.  Claire has many great pieces listed in her shop. I first chose the Cabaret Pink Red Bead bracelet and then right next to it I found the matching necklace.  A great set to wear to your next picnic.  Look for more of BlueWhiteWear here

Etsy / Blog / Twitter

The next shop is one I have personally done business with (which reminds me...I need another card for another great-grandbaby, wink wink).  Empty On The Inside.

Annie is an amazing artist, and devout vegan who tried to help me bake bread...a good friend.  I love this Purple Coneflower card, I look at it and wait for a butterfly to land.  And this Daisy Chain card reminds me of the chains I used to make with my BFF on warm summer days.  Annie keeps her cards "empty on the inside" so you can write down your own personal feelings.  They are also great framed!

Etsy / Blog / Vegan blog / Facebook / Twitter

My last share for the day is Patty's Dream Design.  Here is where you'll find the prettiest and most feminine jewelry.  Pearls and pastels.

This one on my left has a colorful orange flower pendant, and Patty paired it up perfectly with green and orange beads.  And the necklace on the right has a pretty pink dogwood pendant on a chain of light pink and green glass pearl beads.  What a perfect accent to wear to a summer wedding.  Look for more of Patty's Dream Designs here.

Etsy / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Stumbleupon

I hope you like my choices for spring...and be sure to visit these wonderful shops and see all the great items there.  And if you're an Etsy artisan with a blog, or a blogger with an Etsy shop, come join the BESTeam on Etsy.

Debbi

It's a BESTeam Monday!

HEY!  I've got good Internet connection again!  I feel like I've been missing soooo much lately.  I haven't been able to click on treasuries, comment on tweets and my favorite blogs, and share some wonderful shops with you.  But today, I'm back...*sigh*.  Now let's see what my BESTeam buddies have been up to....first we'll check on Lilly at Ancient Oils.

I am a firm believer in natural medicine, aromatherapy, and herbal supplements to maintain our health.  Simply put, living the way God created us to live, after all He's the one that created this world and all that's in it.  So when I saw this Biblical Gift Set, I thought, what a perfect item to share on our blog.  This gift set comes with resins and soap, and is created with the holy oils God gave to Moses for health and protection by increasing our immune system.  Look for Lilly here.... Web site / Etsy / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

My next shop is one of my favorites!  Redemption Art!  The last time I featured this shop, I ended up purchasing the really cool 70's macrame handbag I was sharing, lol.  Connie lives in Hawaii, and you will never know what she finds there on her island travels.  Connie loves antiquing and loves to share what she finds.  I was drawn to this Vintage Hawaii Shawl.  The design is so delicate and lacy, and the fringe trim looks so soft and full.  She also finds books and jewelry and other wonderful things on the Big Island.  Follow Connie in her vintage journey on her blog, Island Buzzy, where you'll also be treated to great Hawaiian history lessons.  You can also find her here.... Etsy/Twitter/Facebook

And lastly, here's Annie with her shop Empty On the Inside.  Annie is a great artist and she sells her artwork as cards.  And the name Empty On the Inside is due to the fact that while Annie lovingly decorates the front of the card, she leaves the inside blank so you can let others know how you feel, in your own words.  Since I have daffodils now blooming in my yard, I chose this Daffodils card to share with you.  This is another shop I have purchased from, and I can promise you that the quality of her work is outstanding.  In fact, I have framed the cards after using them so they get a second life for a lasting reminder of that special note.  Check out Annie here

Etsy / Blog / Facebook / and her Vegan Blog

And that's is for my Besteam buddies this week.  So go visit them, and I'll see you all tomorrow.

Debbi

Hello Capsteam

Let's take a look at what's been happening at the CAPSteam lately....

Roxanne from WatercolorsNmore is in a lilac mood today.  She just listed this very pretty Wisteria note card and Amethest wire wrapped pendant.  One of my favorite things about living in the south is the sight, and smell, of the Wisteria in the spring.  It just covers everything, I wish it would last all summer long!

Gloria from needlepointnmore will wake you up with this bright yellow dishcloth, a set of 3 to brighten your kitchen.  And you'll find these one-of-a-kind original artwork thank you cards from the shop of EarendilCollectibles.  They are offered in a set of 6 cards.

Now that we've done some shopping...let's do some reading.  The latest blog posts are...

Friday Fun and more from Christie Cottage.  I gotta tell you, I love her Friday posts.  They are sure to start your day with a smile, if not a complete belly laugh.

 I am a new follower of Alway Becoming by Courtney Rae Troup from the Book Craft.  Her latest post is the start of a short story...and I am already looking forward to next week's chapter.

So stop by and visit these wonderful shops and blogs, and start your TGIF with a smile.

Debbi

For tomorrow's link up party, I think we'll shoot for linking up our blogs...what do you think?



Time for tea with BEST friends

Ok, I know there is only 12 days till Christmas, but what better way to slow down, relax, and enjoy your day than sharing a nice cup of hot tea with friends.  I think it's my English heritage, because I love tea!   My granny used to insist that we were related to the Queen even though we have never been invited to the weddings, lol.  I drink tea like others drink water, all day long, every day of the year.  It could be 100 degrees outside, and I would still have a cup.  I have all types of tea in my house, Earl Grey tea, Chamomile tea, mint tea, and even a tea a friend gave me from Argentina.  My all time favorite tea is Salada tea, which I have to have beloved family members ship to me from New York because I can't find it here in the south.  While shopping a few weeks ago, I discovered Twinings of London Christmas Tea, a fine black tea perfectly balanced with the traditional holiday spiced flavours of cinnamon and cloves, perfect when sitting in the dark with the only light coming from the decorated tree.  ummmmm.  So since it's time for my weekly BESTeam feature, I decided to have a tea party.

First we need to send out the invitations.  For my tea party I chose this Striped Heart Card from Empty On The Inside.  Annie handpaints these cards, and leaves the inside blank so you can add your own special thoughts to each card you send out.  I have purchased several cards from Annie, and I have never been disappointed with the wonderful quality of her work.  I chose the heart card because I "heart" tea! heehee.  You can find more cards, and more of Annie at any of these links.  I recommend her blog, she is not only a talented painter, but a talented writer.  She is also a vegan, and shares recipes on her vegan blog.

Etsy/ Blog / Vegan blog / Twitter / Facebook

Now to make the tea.  This Tea Time Victorian tea infuser is a new addition to the shop Poison Garden.  This shop is the dream child of 3 amazing women, Suzette the butterfly queen, Crystal the pumpkin tender, Melissa the toad catcher.  (I have a feeling there is a wonderful story behind Melissa's title).  It was when they joined our team that I first "discovered" steampunk, and I LOVE IT!  Now you may not think that this infuser is steampunk, and it's not, but it is definitely Victorian, which is another style that these woman create so well.  See for yourself by visiting them here.

Etsy / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Tumblr

Well, we have our guests and our tea, it's time to head outdoors with our handmade leather bound journals from The Orange Windmill.  Yes, of course I picked the orange journal, you silly.  Now, inside these journals you can keep your thoughts and ideas, but for the purpose of my story, in your journals are poems written in the style of the novel "Jane Eyre".  And with so many styles and sizes available, you can find the perfect journal for you, and meet Shirley here.  Etsy / 2nd Etsy / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Tumbler

Ahhhh, I can see it now.  My friends and I have thrown a blanket on the ground, we're sharing our poetry, and sipping our tea....and getting HOT!  It's a beautiful summer day with the sun high in the sky, and we're drinking hot tea.  Do we give up our tea and switch to soda?  Of course not...we just whip out our wonderfully Victorian Parasol by KC Dragonfly.  My niece used parasols in her wedding, and they were beautiful, and when I was a little girl, I had a small one my mother got me at a local fair.  I felt like a storybook princess walking around holding my parasol over my head.  And you will too if you let Kristine make the perfect one to fit your own unique style.  You can find her here.

Etsy / Blog / Twitter / Flickr / Website

So now I'm finished with my little escape story, and since I drank 3 cups of tea while composing this piece, it's time for me to visit the powder room.  See you all later, and have a blessed day.

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

I told you I'd bee back

Well, a week without Internet service, and my blogging schedule is all messed up.  But in my life, what else is new, lol.  Not only have I not been able to blog, I haven't been able to visit the Hive to see what's new.  So today I buzzed on over there, and this is what I found...161 notifications.  Boy, I guess the world wide wed just keeps turning even without me, :~P.  So let's see what's up...

Joni from PopArtMini's started a Friday facebook follow...always good for some new fans, and great to find new pages that you might like.

Here's something interesting...The Hive is looking for a few good people.  Actually they are looking for Design and Demo team members.  What a great opportunity.   Play with new crafting tools and then get to write about them?  That's my kind of "job".  Now if you haven't joined the Hive yet, what are you waiting for? It is a great place to start, and keep, your creative juices flowing. 

Before I leave, I just want to share this with you.

Lynn made this amazing and elegant card, and I love how she shares just how she created this wonderful work of art.  You can see more of her work at her blog.

Well, I'll see you all tomorrow, bright and early for my weekly linky party.  And the theme is ummmm, FALL.  Yeah, that was a hard theme to think of, with today being the first day of fall and all. hahaha

Happy Creating!

Debbi

Besteam feature on Empty on the Inside

I have a new friend.  Maybe not a best friend (yet), but definitely a BESTeam friend, and her name is Annie Oliverio.  She paints.  I want to paint.  She paints cards.  I love getting cards.  She writes a blog.  I LOVE her blog.  See...kindred spirits, lol.  When I knew that I had the fun of featuring her shop Empty on the Inside this week, instead of a "normal" feature just talking about her shop, I wanted y'all to get to know her.  You see, I have been following her blog for a few weeks, and this girl is interesting.  She is not afraid to share.  So I sent her a message asking if she had anything special I could share, like an embarrassing story.  And she did not disappoint, hahaha.  So here it is, in her own words....
My fate was sealed long ago, my destiny to a life of paint, brushes and small paychecks formed far back in elementary school. It can all be clearly traced to a single event from my childhood. My beloved second grade teacher, Mrs. Brannick, passed out a math quiz one afternoon – what could it have been in the second grade – adding a few small figures together? Certainly nothing too complex. But as I sat staring down at the figures on the page, puzzling, I realized that I had – rather urgently – to use the bathroom. Mrs. Brannick had told us that we could only go to the restroom once we finished our math test and Mrs. Brannick’s word was law. Her admonition only served to add to the confusing jumble of numbers in front of me. I knew this stuff! But my brain refused to process, my fingers suddenly couldn’t be persuaded to be (literally) counted on and in fact, there was nothing but a gray blankness in my mind. Focus! But my only focus, the single thought in my head was: I must use the restroom. Now. As my fellow classmates completed their tests one by one, my sense of desperation only deepened. I knew I’d be the last to finish – if I finished – and in the meantime, my bladder was sending me dire threats and urgent warnings of imminent disaster. Of course the inevitable happened. My self-control abandoned me and I had an accident right there at my desk, in my classroom, surrounded by 20 or so of my peers. The humiliation was swift and deep. I do remember the awful moments after this embarrassing event – the laughing and pointing – but the hold-over is that ever since, I struggled and still struggle with any kind of math or figuring. Formulas and equations and long lists of numbers make me queasy; trying to add in my head gives me the same feeling as looking over the edge of a skyscraper. Without the comfort of a calculator I am completely lost. And so now it is that I surround myself with colors and lines and shapes with no need to discern their angles or lengths, areas or sizes. Even so, I always make sure that I’m never too far from a bathroom.

(Incidentally, I had a “repeat performance” later that same year stranded mid-line at the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea ride in Disneyworld, effectively ruling out a career in the Navy.)

Hahaha, I love this woman!  And I love her cards.  She has such amazing talent.  This one is titled Winston.  My PeeWee gives me that look every time I get comfortable in my chair with my laptop on my lap.  The look that says "hey, that's my lap". teehee.

The cool thing about Annie's cards is...they are empty on the inside.  Hence the name.  She has purposely left the inside blank so you can add your own feelings and words to each card you purchase.

This toy truck greeting card would be perfect for Owen.  He loves trucks, and trains, and anything even remotely boyish.  He also like to watch High School Musical, but don't tell his dad, hahaha.  Sorry, I know this is all about Annie, but I just couldn't help myself :~D

Annie's cards are all hand painted and original.  So when you give an Empty on the Inside card, you are giving the best.  Better than Hallmark or American Greetings.

Considering the cost of mass produced cards nowadays, Annie's cards are very reasonable, and well worth any price to share some art with someone you love.

This last card was a custom order.  So if you need to have an extra special card created, Annie is the girl for you. 

Now for her blog, Dough, Dirt, and Dye.  This is a must read.  Funny and insightful, and just full of, well, Annie's world.  It's a fun world.  And in addition to all of this, she has a facebook page too.  So click on the links above, the you'll want Annie as your BESTeam friend too.
Debbi

If you are a blogger that has an Etsy shop, click here.
If you are an Etsy artist that likes to blog, click here.

come meet the CAPSteam #2

Here's my second installment on the wonderful talent from my Etsy CAPSteam, (Christian Artists Promoting Shops).  First let me tell you a little bit about this team.  As the name implies, we are a group of artists that have dedicated our lives to following Jesus Christ.  God gave us our talent, and God gets all the glory for our talent.  We promote each other's shops thru treasuries and other social medias, but most importantly, we support each other in prayer and uplifting  words on our forum.  So if this sounds like a team for you, click on the link above.  Now, here are my 3 shops for this feature.

First is Suzanne Medrano...Suzanne is from the sunny state of California, and believes in recycling products.  Her shop is filled with paper embellishments and gift tags, and a craft I used to love but haven't done much of lately, needlepoint on plastic canvas.  That's why I picked this great Freestanding White Dove Ornament to share with you.


Next is Rachel Petersen with her shop Road to Grinnell.  Rachel chose the name for her shop from the small town in Iowa where she used to live.  Sounds like a picture postcard kind of place :)  Rachel loves to play mostly with yarn and paper and her shop is full of great greeting cards and gift tags.  I just love this Going Places card.  It makes me just want to pack and go, lol. 

My last shop for today is Catz DiVirgilio's Blondiesloft.  I just love that name...Catz.  So very artsy!   I'm going to quote her straight from her profile page, because she very aptly states what I was trying to express for myself earlier today. "God has led me here to YOU, to build this Shop. He has given me a PEACE beyond understanding, as far as ,The "Fear" factor of failure..... In His eyes, I've already succeeded. I'm beyond that fear now. Who needs to come ....Will......& who doesn't ...simply doesn't ...".  I have discovered that I have been spending soooo much time lately trying to "build my business" that I had no time left to relax and just use the creative gift my Father gave to me.  So I've come to accept that if I make a sale, great.  If not, that's ok too.  Thank you Catz for reminding me of this.  Now here is my favorite item from her shop, her Photograph Art Title Round and Round.
Now, before I forget, both Suzanne and Rachel are leaders of our great team.  Be sure to click on any link above and check out these wonderful shops yourself, and until next time, may God bless you.
Debbi