Showing posts with label handmadeartists. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handmadeartists. Show all posts

Monday, January 4, 2016

A Little Window Shopping

I'm just sitting here getting ready for the last season of Downton Abbey  :'(
and I thought I would do a little window shopping for some great handmade.




I popped over the Scott's Marketplace and found these adorable Funky Chicken earrings in the shop of KATs-n-Thats.




Over at Handmade Artist's Shop there is an interesting shop called Cabochon_Persnickity's that not only has great items, like this Thimbles for Buckets earrings, but they tell stories about their creations.  A great item description is as important as great pictures.



One of my "old" friends on The CraftStar is Kristen from Quirky Bits N Pieces.
She not only makes amazing artisian yarn, but also these wonderful mini weaving looms, complete with special yarn and directions.

That's it for tonight.....
Downton Abbey is calling!

Be blessed,
Debbi

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

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,









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

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

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


Thursday, May 28, 2015

On Fire For Handmade Wedding Competition

I was so excited to open up my email the other day to see that my crochet ring bearer pillow is entered in this wonderful contest!

On Fire For Handmade is a great site run by Anne Hopfer and she highlights amazing handcrafted items for all different sites, and to be chosen to be a part is quite an honor.  If I win, I get some free advertising on her site, so please vote for me.  You can check out the other contestants...

So many gorgeous items...so hard to choose.
So, I'll make it easy...choose my crochet ring bearer pillow.
:0)

Be blessed,
Debbi

Friday, February 6, 2015

Say hello to Teresa at T.Rusk4U

It's been a while since I've done an artist feature here on my blog, so today I took a trip down memory lane, and decided to share items lovingly created by my friend Teresa from Handmade Artists.


Teresa has a great shop, TRuskU, and filled it with amazing jewelry.  Let's check out some of her designs.






I really like the wrapping she did on this cocobolo donut pendant.  The brass swirls just give it freedom and movement.




I have a soft spot for pearls.  They are always such an elegant addition to any "look".  This tri-color triple strand bracelet with matching earrings would be great with your favorite LBD or comfy jeans and tee.






Yep, more pearls.  How could you not love this amber and pearls freeform wire pendant?




There's just something about this Mermaids Bounty seaglass necklace that makes me want to kick off my shoes and run on the beach.  Too bad I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  :0)

Now it's your turn.  Click on a link, and then share with me which is your favorite.



Be blessed,
Debbi

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

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

Saturday, January 31, 2015

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!!!!




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

Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr - A Random House Book Review

I have begun to really enjoy a more natural diet (with a McDonald's visit down to only twice a month), and while I still don't fully enjoy cooking, (or cleaning up), I do enjoy trying new recipes.  I also enjoy gardening and preserving, so my herb garden fulfills all my fun hobbies.  So choosing my next book to review for Blogging For Books was fairly easy...
The New American Herbal by Stephen Orr is published by Random House and is a HUGH and BEAUTIFUL reference book on most every herb you can find growing in The United States.  The good, the bad, and the "ugly". lol
The first section of this book explains how to recognize, grow, harvest, and preserve different types of herbs, then the major portion of the book lists ALL the herbs in alphabetical order, so if you are wondering about what herbs to grow for your needs, you can find all the information here.
 And the photos are absolutely gorgeous!!!
This is definitely a coffee table book that will be used often in real life, not just moved around and dusted.

STEPHEN ORR is the author of Tomorrow’s Garden and the former Editorial Director for Gardening for Martha Stewart Living. Previously he was the garden editor for House & Garden magazine and has written extensively for Domino, The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. He has been a regularly featured gardening expert on The CBS Early Show and Today, and lectures at garden clubs around the country. Orr writes about extraordinary gardens on his blog, What the Skies Were Like.

This only thing I would have loved that was missing from this book is a section of recipes.  Fresh herbs just make your food explode with flavor, but since I'm not a "chef" I am not always sure what herbs to use when I cook.  Other than that I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a tastier and healthier lifestyle.
Tell me, do you use fresh herbs? Or store bought dried herbs?
Be blessed,
Debbi

 "I received this free book from Blogging for Books for this review,
 and the opinion is my own."

Wednesday, November 5, 2014

My Fall Line Up

Well, the Evening Farmers Market here in Statesville is over until next April.  Here's a peek of my fall items I had for sale, and once I get photos taken, they will be listed in my The CraftStar Shop.



Hannah was even photographed a few weeks ago for our local newspaper.

Here's a little guy that I didn't get finished in time for the market...but there's still time to take him home for Thanksgiving (once I take better pics and list him).


Well, I guess my work isn't going to finish itself, so I need to get back on the crazy merry go round that is my life.  I have 3 more craft shows this month, plus my boys coming home for Thanksgiving, plus the crazy busy 4 day weekend...


Are you ready for the year end mad dash????

Be blessed,
Debbi

(here's a little something to help you remember what's most important)

Monday, October 6, 2014

The Young Entrepreneur's Guide To Starting & Running A Business - A Book Review

I got this really great book last month from The Crown Publishing Group, "The Young Entrepreneur's Guide To Starting & Running A Business", and it has revived my dream of a unique brick and mortar shop in downtown Statesville.
This book is not just an overview of running a business, but it is 480 pages of information, personal entrepreneur's stories, and step by step instructions for dummies like me to follow while pursuing my dream.  From writing a business plan, to looking for funding, to managing your money, this book covers it all.  I have highlighted parts, noted parts, and have stuck pieces of papers with ideas into its pages, and I am sure that I will be referring to this book often, if not daily.

Here is some info on the author Steve Mariotti.
"Steve Mariotti is the founder and president of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), a non-profit organization that has taught over twenty-five thousand young people across the country how to start their own small businesses."

You can purchase this book from Random House here.
 "I received this book from Blogging for Books for this review."

Would you like to hear my dream?
(Besides being a famous author) I would love to make The Yankee Burrow Co. a physical presence in downtown Statesville, NC.  Statesville just updated and improved it's downtown business section with brick sidewalks, benches and outside tables, and actually narrowed the streets in encourage tourists to stroll and visit the local shops in historic buildings. I love it.
My shop would be for local artists and craft masters, but instead of "renting booths" they will offer amazing pieces that I get to approve of first, so the quality will be high.  That's the front of the store.  As you walk to the rear of the store, I will offer local handcrafted, made in America, supplies.  Gumbacher paints, beads, local spun yarn, that sort of thing.  There will be a section where artists can offer classes, or do demonstrations, and I will also have a section for my customers who are hesitant to purchase "expensive" high end unique jewelry.  I've noticed that way too many people are buying junk jewelry with the idea that since they didn't put money into the piece, if it breaks or turns their neck green, just toss it, no big loss.  I want to "re-educate" customers about buying local and supporting small business, and if they purchase a high end piece of jewelry, and want something new, I will "re-sell" their pieces of wearable art.  
Sometimes I get so many ideas running through my head I start talking to myself.

Do you have a business dream?  Get this book, and start down that road.  To get what you need to make yourself happy, you need to gather your courage and take that first step.  What's your dream?

Be blessed,
Debbi

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Tuna and Peas on Toast...otherwise know as...

I have some requests on my last blog post for the recipe for this...

My Mom used to call it S**t on a Shingle, but I prefer
Tuna and Peas on Toast.

You start with a white sauce, I use the one in the back of my trusty Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book.  Yeah, it was new way back in the 1950's when my Mom first got it, and I "borrowed" it from her when I got married in the late 70's.  So here it is...

White Sauce
medium (1 cup)
2 tbs butter
2 tbs all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup milk
Melt butter in a saucepan over low heat.  Blend in flour and salt, and dash white pepper (I use black).  Add milk all at once.  Cook quickly, stirring constantly, till mixture thickens and bubbles.
The I just add a package of tuna (no water) and a can of peas (drained).
Heat through and serve over toast.
Yum Yum!
Simple, easy, and very cheap...I mean...inexpensive.  :0)
Enjoy!

Be blessed,
Debbi

Friday, August 29, 2014

Friday Featured Artist - Thunder Rose Leather

It's time to head out west...to Arizona, there we'll find John and Debbie from ThunderRoseLeather.
Here's what they have to say about themselves...

"Hi. We are Debbie and John, buckskin and beadwork artists living outside Sedona, Arizona in a little community called Cornville. 
We do old style leather work and bead work, one piece at a time, by hand, with attention to detail.You may order one of our standard items or ask for something special.We develop our own designs and can work with your ideas. All of our work is handmade in Arizona and guaranteed by us. Most of our work reflects the styles of the old west, western, mountain man and native american cultures. We are always moving forward and so the needs of contemporary lifestyles become a part of our designs. At the end of the day we think each piece we make is unique, practical and made to use and enjoy for many years. Elkskin is our primary choice of leather. Buffalo, deerskin, deer tanned cowhide and other leathers are available. All bead work is done by us and is available on most items, just ask. We never use production beadwork. Everything you can think of is not always possible although we will do our best to accommodate your needs. Everything in our shop is made to order. You will not receive the piece you see in the photos,we will make one similar for you. All of the hides we use are unique and one of a kind .The color and texture of each hide will vary. Elkhides are a product of nature, blemishes and imperfections are a natural character of the leather. From time to time a particular color may become temporarily unavailable. Because each hide is different and unique the lids and overlays on the handbags and shoulder bags will not be exactly the same as you see in the made to order picture. If you see something you would like in a different color, size or style please contact us.
Thanks for buying Handmade! "

Now, let's go shopping!




Check out the beadwork on this black leather tote...amazing.
I love hummingbirds, and I'm lucky enough to have 3 that come to visit every summer.  So to have this bag with a beaded butterfly AND awesome fringe???
Yes, please.





Here's something new (to me), leather smartphone bags.  What a great place to keep your phone (besides your back pocket).  A perfect accessory for your casual outfit.  And the beaded turtle and more fringe?  
Yes, please. 
heehee



Here is my favorite item in their shop, baby moccasins.  Such delicate beadwork.  And they look so soft.  Hmmmm, maybe I need to get a baby so I can get them?
No, thank you.
LOL

But don't let that stop you from getting everything you ever wanted...just in time for Christmas!
:0)


Now you can find ThunderRoseLeather here...


Be blessed,
Debbi

Saturday, August 23, 2014

Being Part Of A Team

Hey Everyone!!!!  Sorry it's been over a week since my last post (mybad) but I've had an exciting and busy week.  Let me tell you my great news....I am now an official member of The Craftstar team....and I can't think of a better team to join.
Heading into the 2014 Holiday Season....Bethan Davies is practically exploding with ideas to help promote The Craftstar, and every artist there.  Let me show you what we're doing now....

The Creative Community Celebrates...


...and this is how it works.  During the week, (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday), we choose a TCS shop, make a wonderful graphic (see above) and then share it on Google+, Twitter, Facebook, and blogs.  (On the google+ graphic you'll even find the links to the shops, plus tips on what to say on all the social media outlets).  It's as easy as playing tag...and when you use the hashtag #TCScelebrates, you may win a free month on The Craftstar.  It's a win win for everyone.

Now for my part of the teamwork...I am contacting the local media for each artist that we are celebrating, so our artists may even get interviewed for more local exposure!  How great is that?  Plus I am working on spreading the word about The Craftstar in the blogosphere....links everywhere. lol

Want to know what else you get by becoming part of The Craftstar?  Help!  With everything.  Rhonda makes video business cards for you, (and commercials) Google+, Facebook, and helps with tech issues.  Natalie helps with Twitter and Pinterest, Sherri runs our fun Facebook auctions, and Carrie loves to help with photography tips (she's a professional).  And that's not all, if you need ANYTHING, we will work hard to help you succeed.

So come on and join the "team" at The Craftstar, because no-one becomes a success all by themselves.

Be blessed,
Debbi

Friday, August 15, 2014

Friday Featured Artist - Kris from Lisianblue

Today we're going to visit a friend of mine from Handmade Artists, Kris.
Kris is a doting Gramma from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and because she is a multi-talented artist, she has 2 shops to showcase her creations.  

We'll start with her crochet shop...

I love this crocheted pastel cuddle bunny.  This is a great companion for your little one...perfect in size and shape for little hands to hold, and machine wash and dry.

Now, y'all know that orange is my color, and with the roaring 20's style of this cloche, well, I just love this hat!  (yeah, I know, I love everything, lol).

Her second shop, Reflections,  is for her handpainted ornaments and other creations.

The details on this Geometric ornament are great.  I tried painting on ornaments, and let me tell you, it's not easy keeping a "straight" line. :0)

Now this last item is spectacular...Kris hand painted the design on this Domino Art Pendant.  The clean lines and great detail...perfect.

You can also follow Kris on Twitter, and check out her blog.

Until next time,

Be blessed,
Debbi

Thursday, August 7, 2014

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

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