Fabulous Finds

You know sometimes you just have to give back in any way you can. I can type, and I can post photos and give another artist their props.

When I was selling on Etsy, I met a handbag maker by the name of 1MadWoman in chat, and we became fast friends. She's funny, witty, and above all , extremely talented. She works with PMC and makes beautiful pieces, but like all artists, has many talents. Not only does she make jewelry and soap she also makes these really cute clutch purses for Bridal Parties. I think they are just delicious. She uses the best quality linen, satin, silks, and chiffon and creates them in custom colors to match any bridal theme. Stop in and pay her shop a visit, and if you are into handmade soaps and PMC creations, stop in to her Heartsabustin shop and browse a bit. Her French Vanilla Soap is wonderful. I picked up a few bars for myself.

Be Inspired by Yourself

Sometimes I spend too much time looking at other Paper Artist's work for inspiration and sell my personal ideas short. After thumbing through numerous paper craft magazines looking for "SOMETHING" to inspire me, I came across a simple sheet of Rose Shimmer Cardstock in my stash and the ideas began to flow.
I've been loving Damask patterns a lot lately, and textile trim (if you saw my stash you'd probably die) and incorporated both into this card design.

To make this Shimmery Pink Birthday Card, I took a piece of 4x 6 pink shimmer (or petallic) card stock and ran it thru my big shot using the damask embossing folder by Cuttlebug. The card stock is actually what they call "cover" weight so it embosses just nicely. I love it. I then took some pretty Venise lace trim I had and placed it on the edge of the embossed piece, creating a very feminine border. I took some other satin edged organza trim I had and hand stitched (gather and pull!) a pretty flower, centered it with one of my many vintage looking pearl center buttons and made "leaves" out of some matching organza ribbon. I printed the sentiment on my printer, inked the edges with Brilliance Pearlescent Opal, and stacked it on glitter card stock.

Where the Heck did March go?

Pearl and Crystal Cluster Bracelet

I mean, it's already the 24th. I haven't posted an entry since the 19th of last month! I'm slacking big time.

Lets see...what's been going on with me for the last month? Well, I've picked up a few more sales, both online AND offline, which is good. I like selling online but I also like the personalization that selling person to person brings. I get to talk about my product, answer questions directly, and sometimes, get custom orders. I've also been told that it's much easier to buy my products after seeing them physically, because the quality just doesn't show well online (those are not my words, but a customer who had no issues purchasing over $250 worth of items from me at my last show.) I've also been selling with the help of Face Book. Don't roll your eyes over the aspect of Social Buying. I think for individual sellers, it's one of the best tools out there. I know that had it not been for me marketing my items on FB in their open venue I'd be out two sales. And I'll take them from any place I can get them. Anyone who overlooks this valuable resource will surely be left in the dust. Social Buying IS the wave of the future, like it or not.

My Etsy Shop is slowly winding down. I think I have 7 items left in my shop, which is just fine with me. I plan on moving over permanently to Zibbet and I have informed my repeat customers that after my shop is empty, they will have to buy from me via Zibbet. I'm flexible, however, and have no problem invoicing someone if they are not comfortable or ready to join another site. I think I'll be OK with the transition. My repeat customers are mostly from my paper line who still like to order invites from me. Being that I have no problem wearing many hats, I will definitely fulfill any invitation or card orders that come my way. It will be a nice break from what I'm doing at the time (There ARE perks to Adult ADD LOL).

I miss my friend Belinda. I wish I could just pick up the phone and cackle with her and act stupid like only she and I could do together. I truly think a part of you dies too when you lose someone so important to you. My Homie.

Things have been going well...sold two leather cuffs, a bracelet, a necklace, and two guitar straps so far in March, all at over $100 each. Hubs has really been getting into his guitar straps. He's doing a great job. I"m really proud of him.

I'm going to have a jewelry party next month and showcase pearls. I just bought 10 strands and I hope they get here in time for me to make a few samples. At least I can make and deliver after wards if need be. I'm loving pearls. Seriously lately. I'm gonna concentrate on that obsession for a while.

Drug Overdose Prevention

A few facts about Drug overdoses from the Harm Reduction Coalition:

Unintentional drug overdose is the second leading cause of accidental death in the United States, just behind automobile crashes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 1999 and 2004, the number of overdose deaths in the United States rose 77 percent, to almost 20,000. The CDC attributes the 62.5 percent rise in drug overdose deaths between 1999 and 2004 to a higher use of prescription painkillers and increasing numbers of overdoses of cocaine and prescription sedatives.

I know of three people who overdosed recently. One was the daughter and niece of two women I know. Too tragic, and senseless. I am donating 25% on behalf of Drug Prevention for the items in my Proceeds section that are purple.