Crafty ADD Update #6 And More!

It hasn't been as productive a week for me as it usually is. First I was dealing with the kidney stones (I think thats over), and that slowed me down a lot! Then I got some bad news this weekend, and for once, I didn't feel like crafting! But you know what? That's ok! Sometimes we need to just rest and rejuvinate :) I'm feeling ready to tackle this week now and ready to work on a lot of projects, old and new! So let me tell you about them :D

Crochet

I'm on to the 6th row out of 9 for my first ever baby blanket! I'm too the point where I've already put together all the squares I had premade so now I'm making a square, adding it, making another, and adding it! It's not really as uneven as it looks in the photograph, I just didn't take the time to straighten it properly.

This blanket is being put in the closet for awhile though. I wasn't making it for anyone in specific (I'm going to donate it), and now I have a cousin to make a baby blanket for! Speaking of which...

I thought I'd have at least a few squares to show you by this update, but all I have is my new hook! Mom and I got together to work on the new one, and quickly discovered that the blanket I was planning on creating is too hard at my level of ability with the yarn I had bought. The disadvantage of having someone who's a master at crocheting (at least I consider her so), is that she sometimes forgets how things look or work for a beginner! So it didn't occur to either of us tha the shiney thread running through the yarn would make it harder for me to work with. The end decision was to keep the yarn (it's pretty!) but use the pattern for granny squares that I originally learned so that it will be easier for me. That's when we decided that a different size hok would also be helpful...and between one thing or another it's taken 4 days for me to get one! Just picked it up this afternoon, and believe me, I can't wait to make that first square!

Cross-Stitch

For some reason one of the few projects I was remotely interested in this week was my cross stitch - as a result, it's almost done! I just have to finish the border and then I get to pick a third book mark to make on this canvas :) Don't know what I'm going to do but I'm considering creating a new pattern...I have a few ideas. We'll see if I get to it this week or not!

Jewelry

As you can see, I didn't make it very far on my project with my first cabochon. It's going to be attached to a free form peyote weave bracelet, and I have a hard time doing something that has no planned pattern! As you can see, my brain forces me to make small patterns out of the chaos. Any way, I just wasn't really in the right mood. Besides, since my Mom's birthday is on Friday it's high time I finally started her birthday present!

That's right, the second Cabochon you see, and the work surrounding it, is the start of what's going to be a hair barret for my Mom. It's going quickly so unless I hit a major snag, I should be done in time! Don't worry - I'll take pictures before I give it to her - and hopefully get a shot with it in her hair at some point too!

Treasuries

I also have to show off the treasuries I'm in right now! I was so excited to find them today! Both are done by team mates from different teams, and they rock! Check 'em out while they are still active :)

The Color of Royalty

Feeling Blue?

Catching up :)

I'm catching up! A lot of this was going to go up yesterday, but I got some bad news that kinda threw me for a loop. I blogged about it here if your interested.

Now to the fun stuff!

First - I was featured on Theresa's blog!

http://tiltcreations.blogspot.com/2009/08/surprise-prize-and-gifts-to-myself.html

Second - Kayla gave me the "Who Loves You?" Award! I'm not passing it on because I simply don't have the energy - but I do want to send you to her blog, The Eclectic Element.

Third - I'm trying to feature my different etsy teams on my treasury blog once a week each. I just starte doing a rainbow series with them! This week is red :)

Etsy Bead Weavers

FFEST

Etsy Bloggers

And Last (but not least!) here are the latest items promoted or listed in my shops! Tell me your favorite and get an extra entry in the Top Commentators contest! Just think...the month's almost over...new winners to be announced soon!

Friday's Featured Artist - Little Studio Photography and Jewelry

I was trying to remember this morning where I first met Meg, but I'm not really sure! I think it was back when I was using Entrecard, but I'm not 100% sure. Either way, I soon realized that I had discovered a wonderful artisan with a huge heart. I'm excited to be able to feature her here this week!

1. What type of art work do you do?

I make handcrafted jewelry and do photography

2. How did you get started doing art work?

I started making jewelry in high school so that I could get the pieces I wanted at the prices I could afford, with quality (remember that word??), and continued off and on until I got fibromyalgia. I got so sick I couldn’t work outside of my home so I started my jewelry full time to try and make some income. I haven’t looked back!

My photography started just before high school: I went on a cross country trip with my friend (6 weeks in a minivan woo!) and my mom got me a little point and shoot camera with a roll of film per week. I took some great photos and I was bitten by the bug :)

3. Do you do any other crafts?

Oh I do many crafts; I think it is the ADD. I love to knit and crochet, I love to draw and paint, I love to make homemade soaps, candles and body products, though they take quite a bit of time so I don’t do it often – usually for special Christmas gifts and that sort of thing.

4. Is there a story behind your shop name?

I wanted a name that was friendly and inviting, but not too homey and unprofessional-sounding. I have a very small room to use as my studio and that is really how it came about – a “little studio” for me to work in…sort of cheesy, but now it is done and I can’t change it :)

5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?

ACK! That is hard! I really like this ring I recently finished…It has my birthstone in it, so I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised! (featured to the right)

I also am completely in love with my NeoAmour Collection – Inspired by powerful women of the past but designed for women of today. I love the femininity and style of the pieces – not too girly but definitely pretty and they make you feel like a queen yourself when you put them on

6. Where do you sell your work?

I sell my work on Etsy: http://www.LittleStudioJewels.etsy.com

I also sell on Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/Littlestudiojewels

And I sell on iCraft: http://icraft.ca/littlestudiojewels

7. Do you blog?

I love to blog! I have several blogs: http://www.meglittlestudio.blogspot.com

http://www.fibrodiaries.blogspot.com This one is a duplicate of my meglittlestudio blog for those who for whatever reason can’t see my main one :) http://www.lowallergykitchen.blogspot.com for recipes catering to people with food allergies

8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?

I am on Twitter: http://twitter.com/meglittlestudio

I am on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Merrickville-ON/Little-Studio-Photography-and-Jewellery/74773878503

I am on Plurk: http://www.plurk.com/meglittlestudio/invite

I’m on MySpace: www.myspace.com/littlestudiojewels

9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you work? If so, what?

I love to listen to music while I create – classical, Celtic, or simple slow music – I find that fast music just makes me want to get up and sing and dance!

10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*

I can write in mirror image almost as well as I can write normally….however, as my handwriting is truly abysmal, that isn’t really saying much!

Want a great deal on her incredible jewelry? Well your in luck! Right now she has a 20% off sale running in her shop!

I Just Can't Decide!

The current BlogFire assignment is to blog about our favorite crafting technique, but the problem is I just can't decide! I will say that I'm a jewelry artist first and foremost, but I also really enjoy crocheting, knitting, cross-stitch, hand quilting, and I'd love to learn more things!

Even in the jewelry world I enjoy many different techniques. I love bead weave, but I also love knotting hemp, stringing pretty patterns, doing wire work, and there are even more things I'd love to learn how to do! You can see this reflected in my shops and here on my blog.

So how do I pick a favorite among all of those?

I suppose I'll just have to say that my favorite craft technique is whatever I happen to most engrossed in at the time! I've spent a lot of time working on my bead weaving projects today, so I could say that's my favorite today, except for the fact that I've been working on them so focusedly because I want to finish them before I start some other projects!

Yes, I'm a little crazy.

It's Wednesday!

It's Wednesday, which means I've been dealing with this kidney stone for 4 days now! What does that mean? Well, considering I deal with lots of health problems anyway, it mostly means I'm dealing with different health problems than normal :P Except that pain wears me down a lot faster than asthma ironically. And, since I'm taking percoset when the pain is at the worst, that means that when the pain is bad I get REALLY slowed down for awhile!

I've still been getting thing done though. I've had a lot of items coming up for relisting, so I've been able to just promote those, and that doesn't take as much thought as actual listing. I do have a few beady projects on the table, including one I'm SUPER excited about, but it's all going a bit slower than normal.

Here's some of my most recent items promoted - which is your favorite?

Tuesday's Tips #13

"Set Me Free" Free Form Peyote Bracelet

I used my "Set Me Free" bracelet to start this post because it totally fits the topic! This is my last post on inspiration (I think) (for now) and I wanted to talk about ways to get inspiration from challenges. Challenges that are maybe less overwhelming then the 100 in 100 that we talked about before, but still give you that external deadline that you wouldn't have from just personally challenging yourself.

The only problem is - there are so many out different opportunities out there! One of the easiest to hunt down are the one's done by teams, guilds, and what not. Do you have a specialty in your art work? Many of the teams that are focused on a specialty (jewelry, fiber arts, paper craft, etc...) will run periodic contests. It's a great way to find inspiration AND a dead-line for when it has to be done! I've seen other types of teams do themes as well, so keep your eyes peeled and do your research!

There are a lot of other challenges and contests out there. Check out the magazines and specialty sites for your type of art work. They often have contests that you can enter that will inspire you, give you a chance for more recognition, and sometimes there are even monetary rewards if you win!

You can also try doing a google search :)

Swaps are another fun way to challenge yourself. Unfortunately, I've never done one, so I don't really have an info for you there, but I've heard good things!

Lastly I want to share a blog with you that I absolutely LOVE and that provides me with lots of inspiration! Over at Thursdays Sweet Treats Natasha posts up weekly themes, and any one who wants to can submit their project! There's no prizes, but friendships are made, your work is seen, inspiration is provided, and it's a LOT of fun :) Not to mention Natasha does some incredible posts through out the week :)

My "Set me Free" bracelet was originally inspired by a butterfly theme on Thursdays Sweet Treats. It is one of the most challenging pieces I've ever done, and I don't think I would have done it if I hadn't been "pushed" by the challenge.

So what are you waiting for? Go out there and find yourself some inspiration!

A Treasury and a Giveaway!

I'm in another treasury! You can find it here until it expires. I feel so blessed to be in another one! It's my Wind Dancer piece, third row, on the right :)

Big thanks are in order to AmieVoltaire for featuring me! Isn't this skirt from her shop cute?

Do you like fun felt creations? Well here's your chance to win one like the one pictured below! Just go here :)

Crafty ADD Update #5

I'm late getting this post up because yesterday was...well...a bad day. Turns out I have a kidney stone. Those suckers HURT! Anyway - here's what I've been up to!

Crochet

I'm on to the 5th row of the baby blenket! I have the ends tied in on the first three rows, and while there are a few mistakes here and there, it's going pretty good! There will be 9 rows when it's all done. Unfortunately I'm almost out of pre-made squares, so I'll have to start crocheting the squares as well as doing the attaching work soon. Well...sorta soon... you see it's getting put aside for awhile! Why? Well for this:

I'm making the blanket on the right, not that you can really see it, but my cousin is having a baby! Since the other blanket is just something I'm going to donate, it has no time frame on it, so I'm putting it aside to work on the one for my cousins baby! My Mom's over here for the day in case I need any help or get worse because of the kidney stone, so if I'm feeling good enough to think straight, she'll teach me the new stitches I need to work on the new blanket :D

Cross-Stitch

As you can see I started a new bookmark! This one is butterflies :) I got a lot done on it this week, so it should be done in the next day or two! I'm not sure what I'll do for the next one...but there's room for one more before I cut up this canvas. I guess you'll find out next week!

Jewelry

I actually have two projects on the board right now! The piece on the right came out horrid in the picture, but it really is cute! The piece on the left is my first Cabochon! I'll be making a bracelet for it! I'm really excited :)

Bead Weaving and some New Stuff :)

Ok, so I actually made this about two weeks ago, but I couldn't show it off because it was a surprise present and she reads this blog! I got the darling pattern out of a book, so it's not something I can sell in my shop, but I had a lot of fun making it anyway :D It's my first 3-D beaded project :D

Oh wait, I did some cubes once, but those barely count :P

Also wanted to show off the newest items promoted in my three shops from this last week :) Leave a comment about your favorite and get an extra point in the Top Commentators contest - and remember that this month there's an extra prize!

Introducing FFEST

I've joined another team on Etsy! Yes, for those of you who are wondering, I am crazy :P It's called Facebook Fans on Etsy. We're all about supporting each other, promoting, and of course, facebook and etsy!

Glory, our fearless team leader, put together a treasury of some of the new team. I'm in it! You can see my Earth Walker piece in the third row, in the middle. Go check it out!

Want to find out more about the team? Go to our forum thread or our ning site.

Friday's Featured Artist - WhiMSy Love

I first met Nikki when I was still a relatively new member of Etsy. At that point in time I lived in Eastern WA, and we were both a part of the Eastern WA Etsy Team! I've always admired her zest for life, her sense of humor, and her imaginative art work :)

1. What type of art work do you do?

I create ALL kinds of handmade stuff. But mostly I'm drawn to vintage items: buttons, books, fabrics, trim, papers, etc.

So there's usually a bit of something of that sort mixed in with whatever I'm making.

2. How did you get started doing art work?

I have always been a crafty gal. When I was a kid, my mom pretty much encouraged craftiness wherever & whenever. She is admittedly not a crafty person, but she allowed me to pursue whatever creative thoughts I had. I pretty much never remember a time when I didn't have the handmade itch.

3. Do you do any other crafts?

I make button rings. I fold books into art. I twist forks into easels. I paint. I sew. I glue things... I can't choose just one thing, so I do it all!

4. Is there a story behind your shop name?

I originally had the name "WhiMSy" while my mom & I sold vintage items, collectibles & some handmade things in a small space in an antique mall. When I signed up to have a shop on Etsy I guess that name was already taken. So, I added the "love". And I figure that those 2 words (WhiMSy & love) describe perfectly my style of handmade craft AND my personality:sometimes a goofball (WhiMSy) & sometimes very girly & romantic (love).

5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?

I love the Vintage Button Rings. They're happy little treats & fun to make. I have a "thing" for old buttons & wear one of my button rings almost every day! (My button rings were also mentioned in the July issue of Glamour Magazine: the Greek Edition!)

6. Where do you sell your work?

I mostly sell my work on Etsy, at http://whimsylove.etsy.com Some of my items are sold in a few shops online. Most recently my Writing on the Wall Book Art is being sold at the Bellevue Art Museum. I have yet to approach local boutiques to sell my stuff. I'm either too busy as a mom or too chicken. (Or both?)

7. Do you blog?

Oh YES I blog!! I LOVE blogging! http://whimsy-girl.blogspot.com I feel like my blog is the backstage pass into WhiMSy love & my crafty little world. I love writing, taking pictures & making stuff & so those 3 things combine to create a nifty little blog!

8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?

I have a twitter account http://twitter.com/whimsylove & a flickr account http://www.flickr.com/photos/whimsy_girl/ . That's about as social as I get right now. My Etsy shop, blogging & corresponding to emails all day keep me pretty busy. (Not to mention 2 wee kidlets that need my attention every once in a while!)

9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you work? If so, what?

Sometimes I'll spread my projects on the floor of my art studio & watch old game shows (that's one of the only channels I get on my TV). Or I'll get all cozy on the couch & watch a movie when I'm making something. When I am blogging or on the computer, I'll listen to music.

10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*

How 'bout MORE than one? It's more fun that way, right?

I love s'mores to an obsession, I wish I were brave enough to wear a fauxhawk, & I bite my fingernails

Snowflake - The First Attempt

In looking around at blogs lately, and talking to various sellers, I've started thinking about Christmas a little bit. Last night specifically I e-mailed Mom to see if she wanted to make some crocheted snowflakes for the upcoming Christmas season. Well that got me thinking - why can't I make something like that in beads?

I rejected my first idea. I've seen some lovely snowflakes made from wire frames that you simply string the beads on, and sure, I could do that but...

What I really wanted to do was make something that was made from seed beads. I wanted to make something up that was all my own pattern. I wanted to experiment. Here's the first attempt.

Sorry it's a little bit blurry, but my hands are kinda shaky from asthma meds right now. I think my basic principle is sound, but I'm going to make some changes whenever I attempt the next one.

First of all, I want the initial "circle" to be closer in to the center. I also want there to be some "spikes" come out more on the outer rim, and more "lacy bits" in the center...

If that makes any sense to you - kudos!

All in all, I think my first attempt at least looks snowflake-ish, and I learned a lot from the two hour process of fighting with it! What do you think?

An Incredible Bead Mosaic

I am ever fascinated by what an be accomplished using beads. One of the many uses for beads is to great mosaics that depict pictures. Incredibly, these can be as detailed as a painting, or even a photograph! I dream of one day being able to produce a piece like that, even on a small scale, and now we apparently have a new record holder for the largest of them all.

This tribute to President Obama was created by 4th grade school children across all 50 states. It was presented to President Obama as a birthday present, and was displayed in front of the White House on August 3rd, 2008. It contains 372,000 beads.

This projected was driven by the company PhotoPearls, and the created both the pattern and the beads. The picture was completed using gluing techniques (versus the bead embroidery techniques more commonly seen), and the pieces assembled after being gathered from the various schools.

There has been some controversy surrounding this project, as there is around most things political, but that's life. My opinion? I don't think it matters what you think of Obama as a President, this is still an incredible work of art. Plus, as someone who cares passionately about our nation's children, I think it's wonderful that it was created by school children across the nation! And to those who are comparing it pictures that were created of Hitler and Stalin, can you really think of a major world leader that DOESN'T have art work created about them at some point? Let's be realistic here people.

For some more information (and where I got the photos) check out these links:

http://daxdesigns.blogspot.com/2009/08/beading-tales-and-trivia-us-president.html

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/washington/2009/08/obama-bead-guiness-record-mosaic-beads-sweden.html

http://www.photopearls.se/newsroom/

http://www.infektia.net/the-largest-bead-picture-in-the-world/

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2308365/posts

Guess What You Could Win?

You could win lots of things! This month's Top Commentators Contest has EXTRA incentive to it! One of our previous winners has volunteered to sweeten the pot by donating a prize to the Top Commentator this month! So in ADDITION to winning a Gift Certificate from me, you'll be winning a surprise!

How do you win? Just visit my blogs! Well, and leave comments :P The top three commentators all three win Gift Certificates! $20 for the top commentator, $10 for the second highest, and $5 for the third! AND that can be a custom order! So if your motivated...you could win a lot!

Tuesday's Tips #12

Robin's Egg Blue Flower Earrings

Last week I interviewed Arlene of Spirit Essence Art and she told us about the 100 in 100 challenge that she's participating in. It was a great interview, and if you missed make sure you go back and read it! I realize that some thing like that may be a bit overwhelming for many of us though, so this week I want to talk a little about some smaller challenge options :) Well, one in specific, I'll have more for you next week!

The Personal Challenge

That's right, this challenge is for you, from you. Why? Because YOU know yourself best. You know where you want to grow, you know what you want to learn, you know what you struggle with, and most importantly, you know best what you can reasonably accomplish! Let me share a story with you...

Just over a year ago I was looking at my shop and my jewelry and evaluating where I was at. It was the middle of the Christmas season and I knew that sales were likely to dry up after the new year. Which in turn meant I wouldn't be able to go shopping for new supplies as often! At that point in time I was making a few bead woven items here and there, but the majority of what was going on-line was my other forms of jewelry. The main reason for that was that I was still SUPER slow at bead weaving.

I decided that I needed to focus more on my bead weaving. Not only does it cost less to purchase the supplies since I use mainly seed beads; it also takes up lots of my time! It's also something I really wanted tog get better at.

So I challenged myself. I wanted to get at least one bead woven item done a week. At first that was HARD to do! Then I noticed, as I got more consistent in the time spent, I was getting faster. It also became more of a part of my routine. If I don't spend time with a needle and thread in my hands every day I feel a little lost!

Since then I've come a long way. It's not uncommon for me to produce 2 or 3 bead woven items in a week, especially if I'm not doing much else that week, and I've learned a lot of new styles! I no longer stick to a strict challenge, because I don't need to. It's now just a part of my life.

So what should you do when setting up a personal challenge/goal for yourself? Here's some things to think about as you get started:

1. What are you dissatisfied with in your art work?

2. What can you realistically do to change that?

3. What challenges are you likely to face in trying to accomplish this goal?

Now, having thought that through, set yourself a SMALL goal. You don't have to shoot for the stars! You can, I won't stop you, but remember it's much easier to start small and then add on. So maybe you want to do a painting every day like Arlene is. You can also start out by saying, "I'd like to do a painting every day, and that would be awesome if I achieve that, but lets start by saying I have to finish 3 a week, and go from there." Starting small and building on it is much easier :)

Not the type that stays motivated on your own well? Don't worry - I have more ideas for challenging yourself! Stick around and we'll talk about it next week.

Weekly Special and New Items!

I used my favorite hemp knotting technique with this bracelet to form a spiraling pattern in between the beads. The black hemp forms a perfect contrast to the blue/green pony beads, for a look that will jazz up any outfit with a bit of fun! This bracelet is just barely over 6 inches long.

Normally $7 plus S&H, this week, on this blog, you can buy this bracelet for only $5.60 plus $2 shipping and handling to anywhere in the world!

I also have to show off some of my most recent listings - I've been keeping busy as always!

Which is YOUR favorite?

Crafty ADD Update #4

Good Monday Morning everyone! I hope your doing well :) I have a lot to do, but I seem to have found my motivation wherever I had stashed it, because I'm not feeling depressed by that! Sorry I didn't get this post up last night. I was tired, and the last thing I wanted to do was take pictures.

I had some fun with various projects this week - can't show you everything I did jewelry-wise, but here's the rest of what I worked on!

Knitting

I finished this scarf a little while ago...but I hadn't fringed it yet. I was thinking about doing beads on the fringe and finally decided against it. Instead I made a shawl pin to put on it! This is the first one I've ever made...but I already have a couple more made up to put up in my Kindred Spirit Treasures Shop :) This one (and the scarf) is a Christmas present.

Ok, and yes, I know it's a scarf not a shawl, but I think the pin looks decorative and cute, so there!

Crochet

I had to take out a few blocks from last week because I realized I had screwed up the pattern in the first row, but I got that done and the entire second row! It's not perfect, there's one spot I'm going to have to fix, but mom says it's looking good for my first blanket :D I'm going to hate tying all those strings in...

Cross-Stitch

This is definitely the project I got the least done on. I didn't even pick it up until this weekend! But I did decide on a new book mark and got the first of the butterflies for it done :) Well, except for the outlining and antenna, but that will come last anyway. The pattern had green, purples, and pinks. I changed it to blues, purples, and pinks, because the green just seemed a little weird for a butterfly. I'm horrible, I rarely do a project with out changing SOMETHING. I do the same thing with cooking...

Jewelry

I'm working on a new series! It's the same style as the Elements series - but it's going to be fairy based and each piece will have a short story to go with it :) of course I have to start with purple - what else? This piece is about half done.

I'm also working on making a bunch of bracelets to restock my consignment store with, and I have a couple hemp pieces in my brain to make, and paperwork to do, and, and, and....

I better stop blogging and get to work :P

Earth Walker - Bead Woven Necklace - Elements Series 4

I started the Elements series about a year ago with Saffron's Firebird Necklace. Since then I've fallen in love with the pattern! I start with a Potawatomi weave base and then use netting techniques for the rest of the pattern.

It takes 4-5 hours to make one of these necklaces and hundreds of seed beads. The actual project takes longer though when you include planning, dreaming, and finding the right beads! Sometimes it's hard to find colors that work well together.

For this last piece in the Elements series, Earth Walker, I used browns and greens. To me the Earth element needs to be represented both by the actual ground itself, and the living things it nourishes. I tried to show that in the progression of colors that I chose.

The clasp was actual the hardest part of this necklace for me! I couldn't find a hook that was the right color, so I ended up making my first hook :) I bought bronze wire and played with it until it looked right.

This necklace is available in both my Etsy shop and my Artfire :)

"Past all thought of 'if' or 'when' - no use resisting"

To spice things up today - I'm offering you an opportunity for TWO extra entries into my top commentators contest today! The first is the one your used too, just tell me which item below is your favorite and why :) The second... The title of this blog post is a quote from a musical - can you tell me what musical?

Friday's Featured Artist - Memories for Life!

Edi of Memories for Life Scrapbooks is an artist you've seen on my blog before. Why? Well because she's awesome! She's become a good friend and she's been a winner on my blog! This month she's also the Etsy Bloggers Featured artist - so of course I decided I had to interview her :) So with out further ado...let's get to know her! Click on any of the pictures to be taken to it's listing.

1. What type of art work do you do?

Everything paper crafting. I make several different types of scrapbooks, custom layouts, greeting cards, wedding invitations. I even make scrapbooks out of flip flops :)

2. How did you get started doing art work?

I owe my start in crafting to the 4-H Club. My aunt was our leader and she always had a different project for us each month. The month we learned how to make handmade greeting cards with stamps...I was hooked! Then shortly after we had a month learning how to scrapbook...and it was love at first sight :) I've been paper crafting for over 12 years now!

3. Do you do any other crafts?

My paper crafting keeps me pretty busy...I haven't found any time for other crafts yet :)

4. Is there a story behind your shop name?

I wanted to send the message that scrapbooks are a lifelong keepsake. And since what I scrapbook is memories...Memories for Life Scrapbooks was born.

5. What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?

My Custom Name and Word Albums are by far my most popular! I really enjoy making them because each one is unique. I like adding little personal bits here and there in the album to make each one special :) I'm also lovin' my new albums I'm making with my Bind-It-All! These should be in my shop real soon!

6. Where do you sell your work?

Etsy: http://memoriesforlifesb.etsy.com

Artfire: http://www.artfire.com/users/MemoriesForLifeScrapbooks

7. Do you blog?

Of course :) http://memoriesforlifescrapbooks.blogspot.com

8. Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?

I'm on Facebook under Edi Royer.

On Plurk under Memories for Life Scrapbooks

9. Do you watch or listen to anything while you work? If so, what?

A local radio station that plays 70s, 80s, 90s and today's rock. I love 80s hair bands :)

10. Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*

I hated the color pink until I hit my 20s...now it's my favorite color :) I guess I found my girly side!

EBW Challenge - First Ladies of Style

It's time to vote again for the EBW challenge - and I'm in this month! I'm entry number 4 :) So go and vote! I'd love it if you'd vote for me, but vote for the best ok?

If you've voted before you'll notice the voting isn't at the normal blog site. We had technical difficulties this month...

Now GO VOTE!

Check it Out!

I told you yesterday about the MEGA GIVEAWAY that the Etsy Bloggers are doing - and one of our awesome team mates put together a treasury of a few of the shops participating - and she included me! So go check out the treasury :)

Here's some of my latest items listed or relisted - which is YOUR favorite?

Crafty ADD Update #3

Wow - I'm amazed at how much I ended up getting done on my different projects this week! I figured I wouldn't get much done on them because of my HUGS project, but I was wrong! Read on to find out why :)

Knitting

I bought the yarn for this project in case I had a break in my crochet project waiting for Mom to show me the next step. But I really didn't think I'd start it this week! Boy was I wrong! I only had a two day break in between finishing the crochet squares and when Mom and I got together, but during those two days I had two different times where I was out driving around and needed something to do with my hands. Clarification, I wasn't the one driving!

Anyway, yarn projects are much easier to do in the car than anything beady...so the knitting came out! Plus I made myself some little stitch markers for my projects. You can't see them really well in the picture, but that's ok. Why did I make them you ask? Well, I'm not far enough along in my knitting to even know what they are normally used for, but I realized something the other day. My biggest problem with knitting is that it's hard to see what progress I've made. So I have two markers. One that will represent the beginning of a week, and one that will the beginning of the day I'm currently working on :) That way I can SEE how much progress I've made!

Not that I plan on picking it back up until the baby blanket is done though. Speaking of which...

Crochet

I started putting the squares together! Sad thing is that I realized when I took the picture that I messed up the pattern :( So I'm going to have to take a couple squares out and rework them. Oh well. We also discovered that I do NOT have enough squares made up! I don't know how many more I need though. I figured I'd just put together all the one's I have and then start making the rest of them when I get that far :)

I'm finding putting the squares together a lot harder than making the squares. I think it's because I know that I'm much slower at it than I was the squares, and because the weight of the squares pulls on it and makes it harder to keep an even tension. I'm getting better though! Day by day :)

Oh yes, and I really didn't think I'd get this far on the crochet project this week, but we ended up spending several hours over at my inlaws early in the week and I spent the majority of that crocheting! Taking along the HUGS project would have been too awkward. And they are used to me having my hands flying while we chat :)

Cross-Stitch

I finished my penguin book mark! Well, all but cutting it out and putting on the backing. I'm not going to do that until after I sew a couple more bookmarks though because I can maximize the fabric that way. Unless of course someone responds to this post saying they want to buy it, and then I'll cut it out! :D I'm not sure what I'm going to do for the next bookmark...I have a lot of jewelry ideas in my head...so I think I might put it aside for a week to give me more jewelry time.

Jewelry

I can't show you what's on my bead board right now because it's a present and the person might read this post :P But I do want to tell you guys about my bead embroidery project, the final product, and why I was making it!

Like I mentioned before, this is my first ever bead embroidery project. I've been wanting to do one for awhile now...but finding the right inspiration was hard. I've thought about doing something in an ACEO, "Art Cards Editions and Originals," because I'm fascinated by them lately! So I was all primed when this challenge came along.

A crafty friend recently went through a tragedy in her life. Some of us who all know her decided to all create something along the theme of "Hugs and Kiss for...." I knew immediately what I wanted to do! Thus my HUGS project was born.

I spent the majority of the week working on this. I have no idea how many hours went in to it, but I'm guessing 8-10. Yes, I know how to sew, but I've never done any embroidery and certainly no bead embroidery. So I went slow...

I don't really like the backing I put on it. I like the color of the fabric, but I know that for pendants and things most other bead weavers use things like ultra suede. I can see why. The fabric was easy to sew through, but I'm worried that it's going to frey. :( Oh well. It's meant to be displayed, not handled, so it should last pretty good :)

I don't want to give away any personal details, but those of us involved in the project have heard back from the gal we did it for and our goal was accomplished! We were able to cheer and encourage her during this hard time, and that's what we wanted. PLUS, I get to send her the piece I worked so hard on! Which is fantastic, it would have felt wrong going to anyone else.

Etsy Bloggers MEGA Giveaway!

It's our teams second anniversary and we're doing a massive giveaway! I'm so excited! I donated a necklace (scroll down and you'll see it). Go to the team blog to enter to win: http://etsybloggers.blogspot.com/

In the mean time - here's the ways you can enter :)

Note: don't leave your entries here...go to the team blog!

HERE'S HOW TO ENTER:
Each entry must be written in a separate comment.

* For the first entry/comment – Visit any of the above listed shops and pick your favorite item. Then comment here and include a link to that item.

Then for all additional entries:
* 1 extra entry/comment – Make a purchase from one of the shops listed above.
Then leave a separate comment here, with a link to the receipt/sold item.

* 1 extra entry/comment – Follow EtsyBloggers on Twitter:http://twitter.com/etsybloggers and tweet about this giveaway. Then in a separate comment here, leave the link to your tweet. (Find the tweet URL by clicking on the tweet's timestamp.) Here is some text you can use for Twitter:

You have GOT to checkout the EtsyBloggers MEGA GIVEAWAY at http://etsybloggers.blogspot.com
Good luck to all the contestants in the EtsyBloggers MEGA GIVEAWAY!! http://etsybloggers.blogspot.com
Love handmade goods? A blogging team is having a MEGA giveaway. Almost $300 value! http://etsybloggers.blogspot.com

* 1 extra entry/comment – Become a fan of the EtsyBloggers on Facebook:http://etsybloggers.com/facebook Then in a separate comment here, leave your Facebook name and tell us you’re a fan!

* 1 extra entry/comment – Write a blog post about this EtsyBloggers MEGA GIVEAWAY and link to http://etsybloggers.blogspot.com – and you can use any of the graphics here: http://etsybloggers.com/MEGA_GIVEAWAY/graphics
Then leave a separate comment here, with the direct link to your blog post.

* 1 extra entry/comment – Using the EtsyBloggers Random Blog Generator which is listed over there in the right-hand column, visit one of our team member’s blogs. Comment on a blog. Then comment here in a separate comment, and include a link to that blog you visited!

* 1 extra entry/comment – Make a purchase from one of the shops listed here:http://etsybloggers.etsy.com Then in a separate comment here, leave the link to the receipt.

* 1 extra entry/comment - Are you one of the fab sellers giving an item away?
In a separate comment here, let us know and tell us something about your giveaway product!

* 1 extra entry/comment – Follow this team blog. Then leave a separate comment here, let us know you’re following our blog.

* 1 extra entry/comment - If you write a blog post AGAIN about the EtsyBloggers MEGA GIVEAWAY, on the actual day of our Anniversary, (which is next Thursday August 13th) then you will get another entry in the giveaway!! So on the day of our EtsyBloggers 2nd Anniversary, head on over to the team blog to say Happy Anniversary EtsyBloggers and let us know you again blogged about the giveaway, and include the direct URL to your post.

Feeling Lucky This Week :)

I definitely needed a "pick me up" after moving last week. I was extra tired and sore, and of course we're still in the process of unpacking, so that doesn't help any! It means I always have this feeling that there is something I "should" be doing instead of relaxing and crafting :P Not to mention there's always the "so where DID that end up?" Fortunately we have the majority of it done by now and there are only a few boxes and the pictures left! Woohoo!

Anyway, I received lots of goodies this week! So that definitely helped balance out the exhaustion and stress from the move :) First thing I received was some really cute charms from Athena Workman. I won these in a blog contest and my picture here does NOT do them justice. I was just snapping quick shots last night so I could blog...and apparently these ended up really washed out :( And yes, I'm too lazy this morning to go take new one's :P It's only 7am here after all folks! Anyway, I'm really looking forward to using these in my jewelry design. They will sit on my table in full view until I come up with the perfect design to use them in :D

I also won a blog contest from my friend Meri - my featured artist from yesterday! Isn't this earring cute??? I love it! Can't wait to wear it :) I told her my fav colors and told her to play...and play she did...and I love it! Good thing I own a lot of purple clothes huh?

Last, but certainly not least, I woke up yesterday morning to find this chain mail ball sitting on top of my closed lap top! My hubby had seen a book on chain mail while we were at the craft store, asked me if I had an links, and then asked if he could play with them! I didn't really expect much to come out of it, but he's a night owl so how was I to know? Apparently he found this design on-line and he spent a good long time making it! I was so thrilled! I attached it to the little lanyard and it's not going everywhere with me on my purse. And the fun part? He wants me to order more rings for him to play with! Who knows what he'll come up with next?

And time for a little shameless self-promotion *wink* Here's some of the items I've been promoting this last week - tell me your favorite for an extra entry in my Top Commentators Contest!

Oh yes, and for those who've been following my "bead embroidery adventure," the piece is finished, I just need to get proper photos. I'll blog about it before the day is over. Have no fear! Besides...this post is long enough :P

Friday's Featured Artist - Meri GreenLeaf!

One of my favorite parts about being an on-line seller is that I make all sorts of wonderful friends! Susan (who goes by Meri on-line for the most part) has fast become one of those friends. We have many of the same interests and spend a lot of time talking on plurk! So it is my great pleasure to introduce her to you as this week's featured artist :) Click on any of the pictures you see below to be taken to the listing.

1.What type of art work do you do?

Name it, I probably do it. ;) I crochet, make jewelry and chainmaille, sculpt, paint (usually on fabric) and draw, make dreamcatchers, spin (and sometimes dye) yarn, and sew (handsew- I don't know how to use a sewing machine). My main one is the crochet, though; even a lot of my jewelry is crocheted. Most of what I make is fantasy-

related, but I also make things inspired by nature.

2.How did you get started doing art work?

I've always been into art; in elementary school I'd stay in at lunchtime to help in the art room, and in high school I stayed after school almost every day to work in the pottery classroom (pottery was my obsession back then, but I haven't had a chance to work in it since). I also used to make a lot of plastic jewelry when I was a kid. For the things I do now, I started crocheting about four years ago all because I wanted a Hufflepuff scarf from Harry Potter, and I haven't put down my hooks since. The rest of the art I do I've picked up in the few years since, mostly teaching myself

and winging it as I go along.

3.Do you do any other crafts?

I think I already answered this- yes, I do a lot of them. :)

4.Is there a story behind your shop name?

Both “Elfling Creations” and my Etsy shop “Elbit Enterprises” (although I may be changing that one to match at some point- I just haven't done that yet) come from the race of my alias/persona (and old roleplay character) who is a half elf/half halfling (or hobbit); I combined those races and got “Elbit” originally, but lately have switched over to using the combined “Elfling” instead. I go by “Meri Greenleaf” online (and sometimes in real life, as well); that was the name of my old roleplay character that has become my alter-ego (nope, I'm not a Legolas fangirl, just a huge fan of Mirkwood; “Thranduiliell” [the original second part of the name] would have been too hard for people to find me with. Besides, “Greenleaf” fits me well because I'm obsessed with the color green and forests).

5.What's your favorite piece in your shop right now?

Oh geez, that's a hard one! I love making everything I do! I think it may be Wynmaeg, my crocheted renaissance wench plushie.

(featured at the top of the post)

She's one of my older plushies, but I had so much fun making her and coming up with all the accessories for her outfit- and I love dressing up for the Renfaire, so it was fun getting to make a costumed doll.

But then again, my favorite could be this faerie cat, named after my own black kitty Clarabell. (featured to the right)

That doll isn't perfect (it was my first attempt at making an animal pattern), but I think it's adorable. Then again, I may be biased because it's based off my fur-baby. ;)

6.Where do you sell your work?

I'm on a few random online craft selling sites, but my two main ones are Artfire and Etsy:

http://merigreenleaf.artfire.com

http://merigreenleaf.etsy.com

My website is http://elflingcreations.com but I don't actually sell on that site; I use it to link to my other shops.

7.Do you blog?

Yup- I love blogging! My art blog is in two places- the main one is on blogger (http://merigreenleaf.blogspot.com) but I also crosspost most of the entries to my art livejournal (http://elbit-blog.livejournal.com).

8.Are you on any social networks you'd like to share?

I'm on a whole bunch, but Plurk is my favorite. :) These are the ones I use most:

http://twitter.com/MeriGreenleaf

http://www.plurk.com/MeriGreenleaf

http://www.ravelry.com/people/merigreenleaf

http://www.myspace.com/merigreenleaf

http://www.facebook.com/MeriGreenleaf

http://www.flickr.com/photos/merigreenleaf

http://merigreenleaf.deviantart.com

9.Do you watch or listen to anything while you work? If so, what?

A lot of the time when I'm working I'll listen to audiobooks (literature, mostly- I love http://librivox.org because that site has free audiobooks that are in the public domain) or comedy (usually Eddie Izzard- I love him!) on my iPod, but sometimes I'll also try to read at the same time (that one's a bit hard to do, lol) or watch tv (also distracting). When I'm listing and editing photos I'll often listen to music- usually Blackthorn, Enter the Haggis, Hanson, Spin Doctors, Jimmy Eat World, Goo Goo Dolls, and Tonic, as well as the occasional filk or video game song (yeah, my playlist is pretty eclectic). I've recently started streaming Pandora Radio, too, so I get to listen to all sorts of fun Celtic and Celtic rock bands that I hadn't heard of before. :)

10.Tell us one random fact about your self *wink*

Just one? Hmm... well, besides being an artist, my main goal in life is to become a professor of British Literature, hopefully being able to focus on the Renaissance- I have a thing for Renaissance plays. Besides art, books are my obsession.

I recently won a cartilage chain earring like the one you see above from Meri in a blog contest! Pictures will be coming soon :)

Good Morning World!

So all my dear creative friends - what are your plans for today? I am going to be in a crafty frenzy to finish my bead embroidery project. It's SO CLOSE but I have to finish it TODAY. After it's done there will be pictures and an explanation - don't worry! I've had a lot of fun working on this project. It's my first ever in bead embroidery and I have many more already crowding around in my head!

Other than that - I have to run some errands today. It's time for me and the hubby to get updated drivers licenses (now that we've moved) and I need to go to the craft store. Not that I object to needing to go to the craft store! As I'm sure you can guess, it's one of my favorite places to be! I need to pick up something to back my bead embroidery project with. And a few more supplies while we're at it. Actually...I think I'm going to drag my poor hubby both to the craft store AND the bead store! *wicked grin*

All in all - it's a busy day ahead of me!

Tuesday's Tips #11 (on Wednesday!)

Move in Grace

I know, I know, it's Wednesday, but this week's Tuesday's Tips was too good for me to miss just because I was too sick to post it yesterday! I'm operating off the theory that you'll all forgive me.

Continuing in the topic of inspiration I wanted to talk a little bit about how participating in challenges can be inspiring. I have more I want to say on the topic, but to start us off I've interviewed a friend of mine who's participating in challenge that I really admire! So come meet artist Arlene of Spirit Essence Art :)

1. Can you tell us a little bit about the 100 in 100 challenge you've been doing?

Sure, be glad to! It all started by my needing some extra incentive and inspiration to start creating more, especially after I lost my job and was home with time to create. I happened upon a site called www.CreativeEveryDay.com and loved the idea behind it, which was a challenge to do something creative every day. The site owner, Leah, provided a place for all participants to “check in” on a weekly basis and post about what we have done for the week, and to read other artists’ comments and look at their blog posts.

This is how I found the 100 in 100 Challenge because Rowena of www.warriorgirl.blogspot.com is one of the Creative Every Day participants. I saw that she was just starting her own challenge to provide herself extra incentive to continue to create.

The idea is to create 100 paintings, drawings, art journal entries, or whatever creative activity you want to do more of – in 100 days! Part of me didn’t want to commit to yet another activity, and I almost dismissed it. However, I think deep down inside of myself, that “higher” part of me kept pushing me to join in. It was almost an involuntary act, putting my name and blog address down! I laugh now to think of it! I am so glad I did, though, and that I have blogged about it and announced it so that it will be so uncomfortable NOT to complete that it pushes me to keep up with it.

2. What's been the hardest part?

For me, the hardest part has been (and still is sometimes), sitting down to do a painting every day even if I really don’t feel like doing it. Even more than that, deciding WHAT to paint every day! This has always been my challenge. Even when I have lots of ideas, trying to decide where to start is difficult for me. Either there are too many choices, or my mind goes blank and I simply do not come up with a single idea that turns me on at that moment. Keeping it interesting and varied has to be the key for me, so that I don’t get bored, which I can experience fairly easily if I find myself doing the same things over and over.

3. How have you seen yourself grow as an artist through doing this?

It’s been kind of amazing, actually. I have done things I would have never thought possible: paint portraits (including self portraits!), draw figures, create miniature paintings (ACEO’s), paint animals, paint spontaneously and abstractly, having no idea of what I would end up with when I first put paintbrush to paper.

I have also seen a growing ability to push through blocks much more readily, and to actually dare to paint more without fear of creating something really ugly or not “good enough”. I know that sounds funny, but that has stopped me on more than one occasion from continuing on a painting that halfway through looks really awful to me, and giving myself permission to finish it anyway.

The fact that I have committed to creating a painting every day, pushes me to do SOMETHING. I realize that I don’t have to show anyone what I have done, if I choose not to. Just the act of painting so frequently has helped me expand my skills and self confidence in what I am able to do. Practice truly makes “perfect”, or certainly BETTER.

4. What do you do on the days where you have NO IDEA what to do?

Often what works for me is to do a technique where I just start on a page with a scribble in pencil or permanent ink pen, and then fill in shapes with color, looking to see what emerges. Most of the time this works well and I like the results a lot, though sometimes the product is not so much a “piece of art” but a freeing of my stuck energy, which then leads to being able to create something that flows better.

Other times I have done a project that uses different media, like pen and ink or collage or some mixed media art journal pages. One of my favorite paintings so far started out with a thick coating of gesso which was then “smooshed” around with a piece of plastic wrap to create some interesting shapes and textures. Once dry, the texture that appeared suggested some interesting fantasy shapes and “creatures”.

I have also learned that occasionally I need to just take a break and give myself some leeway. Making a conscious choice to take a day off can be the best, most refreshing thing I can do for myself. Though my “work” is a labor of love, everyone needs some time off to do something for themselves on a regular basis. Usually I have found that whenever I have done this, I am excited to get back to my studio to create some more, and have lots and lots of ideas.

5. Anything else you want to share?

By doing some of these techniques to unblock myself, I have more and more given myself permission to just play in the studio rather than feeling like I have to PRODUCE something that will be a great work of art or that is worth something in a marketing sense. Being able to create just for the sheer joy of creating and expressing myself, frees me tremendously.

One other thing I have noticed very often is that when I get part of the way into a painting or project, I often think it is just awful and that it’s just not “working.” When this happens I find that if I persist, or walk away from it for a while and return to complete it later on, I am very often thrilled with the result. Additionally, I usually find that when I put a completed painting away for 24 hours or more, and revisit it, I have a totally different perspective on it. In fact it often looks better than I remembered it! My take on this is that sometimes we, as artists, can get too close to our projects while they are in progress. A little distance and perspective on it can make a world of difference.

Thank you Arlene for sharing with us about your creative journey through this challenge!

To all my readers - Think 100 in 100 is too big of a challenge right now? That's ok! I'll be talking about some other ideas and opportunities for challenges in next weeks post :)

Etsy Bloggers Blog Carnival - August 3rd Edition

This is my first time hosting the teams blog carnival - and I'm so excited! Have fun reading :)

Welcome to the August 3, 2009 edition of etsybloggers.

Quirky presents How to Beat the Heat posted at Sew Simply Handmade

agoodwitchtoo presents Summer and Sun posted at The Copper Cauldron.

dizzydragonflies presents Somewhere in a cabin in the woods, a knitter knits posted at dizzydragonflies.

Vanessa presents Summer Lovin' posted at Designs by Vanessa.

Kathy and Carrie presents EtsyBlogger's Blog Carnival - July posted at CalKat The Jewelry Junkie.

Jessica presents Hot Fun In The Summer posted at Cut Your Heart Out.

Amy presents Blog Carnival posted at Motley Boutique - a handmade mixture.

Sykin presents hopespantry.etsy.com - etsybloggers.com Carnival Post posted at Sykin's One Stop Etsy Shopping Guide.

MagdaleneJewels presents Carnival: Hot Summer Shops posted at MagdaleneJewels's Blogs.

Margaret Freije presents hot fun in the summertime! posted at Splendid Little Stars

Mary Ann presents Great Summer shop posted at Morning Sky Jewelry and Creations.

Linda Turner presents How to Beat the North Georgia Heat..Go Further North posted at HeadTurner Jewelry by Linda Turner.

Sandi Myers presents Beat the heat? Remember the old days… posted at The T-Shirt Lady

Erika presents It's a Hot Summer posted at NICO* Designs.

miesmama presents a shop for summer - posted at miesmama.

PurrPrints presents Fun-find Friday: Beat the heat with batik posted at PurrPrints: Art, Cats, and Randomness

Rose Works Jewelry presents Rose Works Jewelry: EtsyBloggers Are HOT posted at Rose Works Jewelry.

Jamie presents Fresh Peaches & Frozen Concoctions posted at A Forest Frolic.

Now let's go visit our teammates blogs and read this edition of the EtsyBloggers Blog Carnival!

Technorati tags: etsybloggers, blog carnival.

Crafty ADD Update #2

I know, I was PLANNING on posting this last night, but I was just to lethargic and blah to do it. So I'm doing it this morning instead :)

KNITTING

Ok, so I didn't actually do any knitting this week, but I made a purchase! I'm getting close to the point where I'm going to need Mom's help on my crochet project, and I wanted to make sure I have something to work on if it takes us awhile to get together. So I went out and bought the yarn for my next scarf! I know, black can be boring, but it's a guy's Christmas present, and he looks good in black :) I also bought my very own knitting needles so I can give Mom her's back - and they are purple!

CROCHET

Like I said - I'm getting pretty far on my baby blanket! I'm now onto the third color in the blanket, and when this one is done, I'll be laying it all out and learning how to put the pieces together! I'm excited! If I keep up the pace I've been going I'll have the third color finished this week. Not sure that will happen at the moment though (explain later).

CROSS-STITCH

I'm so close! You can't really tell from this picture, but the tummies on the penguins are filled in with white thread...and I need to finish the tummy on the third penguin still. I also need to add a border... not sure I'll be working on this project much this week though.

JEWELRY

I'm doing something new! It's called bead embroidery - and I'm having fun! This is the main reason I'm not sure how far I'll get on my other projects this week. I'm making this for something in particular and so I'm on a dead-line. So everything else comes second! I'll be blogging more about this piece when it's done. I also have a custom order to do and I need to make some more bracelets to go into my consignment shop...

And I need to finish unpacking :P

July's Contest Winners!

It's that time again! Another month has come and gone (what happened to it???) and it's time for me to announce my contest winners again! I'm very excited to announce these 3 lovely ladies :) Remember how you can earn extra entries when you comment on my posts that show new items and tell me your favorites? The numbers in paranthesis show their total entries after those are added in :)

1. Splendid Little Stars: 27 (30)

2. The Eclectic Element: 19 (21)

3. Meri Green Leaf: 14 (17)

Congratulations ladies! Here's some items from their lovely shops :)

www.splendidlittlestars.etsy.com

www.theeclecticelement.etsy.com

www.merigreenleaf.artfire.com

Now here's the fun figures :)

Remember last month? Well I had forgotten to track the "extra" comment entries seperately.

So those numbers are inflated...

Top Commentator: This Month - 27. Last Month - 39

Total Commentators: This Month - 59. Last Month - 68

Total Comments: This Month - 249. Last Month - 374

Just a reminder - this is what our winners won - and what you could win next month!

Top 3 Commentators - Write up on this blog :)

1st Place - $20 Gift Certificate to my Shops

2nd Place - $10 Gift Certificate to my Shops

3rd Place - $5 Gift Certificate to my Shops

Also, don't forget, this month's winners can't win next month - so here's your chance!

Have You Seen These?

Despite moving - I somehow got some new items listed and other renewed this last week! Here's 9 of them :) Which is YOUR favorite?