Happy New Year!

On this final day of 2008, I leave you with these thoughts...

BE THANKFUL.

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.
Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.
Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.
It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.
--Author Unknown

End of The Year Musings

This time of year, I always experience a little let down. The craft shows are over and I am faced with putting everything that did not sell away. I always begin to doubt that what I am creating is the right thing.

This year, it was worse than ever. I did one new craft show (established but new to me, that is)which was about what I expected. My two next shows that I had been doing for several years were only slightly down from last year, but my last show which has always been my best, was horrible. I only made about 1/4 of what I usually make! Call it a sign of the times, blame it on the ecomomy, the weather?

I saw a definite trend that what sold was very inexpensive items and jewelry. People seemed reluctant to spend money on decorations but would spend it on something they would use. I was not the only vendor who had a decrease in sales--this is not a whining fest!

I have been noticing the same thing on Etsy--a drop in sales. My shop had four sales in September, two in October, one in November and zero in December--Despite daily sales throughtout all of December, blogging, posting in the forums, etc.

Basically because of this, and because I had my first sale there (even though it was on surplus supplies), I have begun listing more items on Ecrater. I've moved my beaded art dolls there, because although they sold really well when I first started making them, I haven't sold one in some time now. I am also planning to be more aggressive with my own website which basically directs back to Etsy or Ecrater. I'm not planning to abandon Etsy (at least not yet)but I do think my shop needs to go in a new, fresh direction. As soon as I know the way....I'll let you know here!

In the meantime, take a look at my other sites--any feedback will be appreciated.

http://craftymoosecrafts.com
http://craftymoose.ecrater.com

Sunday Wisdom

Our talents are the gift that God gives to us...What we make of our talents is our gift back to God. -Leo Buscalgia

Breathtakingbeadzz!

At first glance, I thought this shop was filled with lampworked glass beads. When I read on and realized they were polymer clay...they really did take my breath away!

This is a set of beads that consists of a large focal & 6 smaller heart beads.

This ceiling fan light pull is gorgeous!

I almost want to take up knitting again just so I can use these stitch markers!

Visit breathtakingbeadzz, here.

For my last special:

Make your own sale...30% off any one item in my shop, regular shipping applies. Here's a link.

This special expires midnight Christmas Eve (Dec.24th) Please put "blog sale" in notes to seller & I will send out a revised paypal invoice asap!

Happy Holidays Everyone and thanks for letting me show off your shops!

The Art of MKanvinde

Here is a beautiful shop filled with original fine art--both paintings and prints. Everything is so colorful, again, I had a hard time picking just a few to show you. These are among my favorites:

"Elegant Poppies" Watercolor & acrylic.

"Underwater Magic"

"Dream Falls"

Visit MKanvinde, here.

My next special is:

$3.00 off this Log Cabin Decorative Birdhouse. Here's the link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Here's Hippie Dippy Designs!

Today's feature is the Etsy shop, Hippie Dippy Designs, They have a nice variety of crocheted items, paper goods, houseware items, jewelry, and even a few pet items.

Every dog should be treated to a fashion collar from this shop! They'll be the envy of every dog on the block!

I just love the colors in this Scarfette!

Of course, I love the purple beads in this badge holder!

Visit Hippie Dippy Designs, here.

My next special is:

$5.00 off this pair of French Beaded Candle Holders. Here's the link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Today's Feature is Alice77

Here's another Etsy Shop located in Italy. Alice77 makes jewelry and the cutest beaded crocodile you've ever seen!

Here's a green & yellow crocodile keychain. She has a wide variety of colors!

This is a really cute necklace with an oriental feel. Aren't the bird beads pretty?

I love the colors and variety in these cappuccino earrings.

Visit Alice77, here.

My special today is:

A crazy 50% off this lobster claw arrangement. Here's the link!

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Featuring...Sumiko Shop!

Evelyn is the owner of the Etsy Shop, Sumiko, and she creates some of the cutest jewelry! She is located in Italy & has free worldwide shipping on anything in the shop this weekend. See her store announcement for details.

This "Love Bracelet" has an interesting double chain, pearls, hearts and a polymer clay rose...What more could a girl want!

This "Floral Gold Pin" is so pretty!

Here's an adorable "Rose Cake" ring that would make an unique birthday present!

Visit Sumikoshop, here.

My special today is:

$2 off this newly listed hand beaded brooch. Here's the link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Countdown to Christmas continues with Brooke Bowen

Winter is fast approaching in the US...time to head on over to the Etsy shop Brooke Bowen to keep warm! All items are handknit by the shop owner.

Tired of wearing mufflers? Want a sophisticated look? How about this pretty cowl?

I love the color of these hand spun, hand knitted fingerless gloves!

Look at the pretty pattern on these fingerless gloves.

Visit BrookeBowen, here.

My special today is:

50% off this hand beaded parrot pin! Here's the link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

A Feature about Skates!

Step into the Whimisical World of JMillie's Just For You! A delightful, relatively new, Etsy shopped filled with wonderful handpainted decorative ice skates. It was hard to pick only 3 to show you!

The snowman design is just the cutest! I love the red ribbon she used to lace up the skate, too!

This is a pair of pink & green Victorian Shabby Chic Skates trimmed with "fur" on top.

These are called Midnight Flurry & would be a great holiday decoration or leave them up all winter, even!

Stop by & visit JMillie's Just For You, here.

My next special is:

3 for 2 Sale: Buy two small birdhouses, get the third free! This is just one example. See them all here.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Hungry? Check Out This Feature!

Looking for some yummy goodies? Well, The Cupcake Mint may be just what you are looking for! This new Etsy store makes Vegan cupcakes to order. Just look at some of the selections:

I like the sound of these: Amaretto Lemon Buttercream! They even come with the sprinkles & the little umbrellas!

Two of my favorite flavors are merged together in these Cherry Vanilla Buttercream cupcakes.

You'll have to visit the store to see some more!

My special today is:

$10 off this French Beaded Ring of Roses. Here's the Link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Memories For Life Scrapbooks!

Edi of Memories For Life Scrapbooks takes album making to the next level. She has been paper crafting for over 10 years, she calls it a passion, and doesn't shy away from custom requests either.

This 3D Star Shaped Photo Album is so unique & pretty! While this one is decorated for Christmas, she is able to customize them for any occasion. I see so many possibilities here--photos of your child's artwork, plays, or play acting!

Nothing could be sweeter than saving memories of your little one in one of these albums. What a great baby shower gift, and of course, it comes in blue also!

This has got to be the coolest & most unusual scrapbook that I have ever seen! Yes, it is make out of flip flops!

Visit Memories For Life Scrapbooks, here.

My next special is:

Buy 1 nonanimal beaded art doll, get 1 free! Olivia Pearl is just one example, here's a link to them all.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Continuing the Countdown to Christmas with Brown's Country Originals!

Enter the charming world of Brown's Country Originals! The Brown's are a husband & wife team who currently have paper mache and chalkware holiday figures in their shop. It's the kind of shop that makes me smile!

Who could resist this adorable paper mache snowman? Or his message for that matter! Whether you are seeking peace in the world or maybe in yourself, this cute guy with keep your thoughts on track.

Here's a sweet chalkware snowman pin to accent any outfit--sure to brighten any day!

How cute is this! I would love this all winter long.

Visit Brown's Country Originals, here.

Today's special is:

$2.00 off this decorative birdbath! Here's the link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Today's feature is the Etsy shop, Spinning Spools Quilts. This shop is only two months old, and you really should check it out--it's so much more than just quilts!

This Woodland Bloom Baby Quilt would make a great baby shower gift. I really like the patterns she machine quilted.

I really like this casual handbag--the colors are so popular, too!

What a great idea this Crayon Roll-up Caddy is! Just roll & your ready for a trip anywhere--it even includes 16 crayons!

Visit Spinning Spools Quilts, here.

My next special is:

50% off this Musical Concert Triptych Collage-Now that's a bargain! Here's the link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Paper Affection

When I think of paper, I think of cards or flat art so I was pleasantly surprised when I looked at this shop and saw...Jewelry! Origami and folding jewelry to be exact. She treats each item with a glossy finish to extra durability. She does amazing things with paper!

Here is an adorable pair of holly earrings--just right for the holidays!

With Valentine's Day around the corner, I just had to show you this Aqua Winged Heart Necklace. This would be a unique and cherished gift for that special someone or even yourself!

I'd be remiss if I didn't show at least one of her more traditional origami designs. This design is called, " Silver Arabesque". Think Christmas tree ornament, decoration, suncatcher, review mirror fob--the possibilities for these are endless, and there are many more in her shop!

Visit Paper Affection, here.

My next special is:

$5.00 off any Animal beaded art doll. This panda is just one example. There are many more in my shop. Here's a link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Check out this giveaway!

Check out this fabulous giveawy over at The Paper Place! That's a whole lot of paper!

I came across this just as I was reading about origami with a view to trying it! How's that for synchronicity?

Today's Feature is Jennifer Ladd!

Welcome to the bright and cheery Etsy shop of Jenniferladd! Filled with handmade purses, bags, accessories and baby items, it is just bursting with color!

Wow, aren't these cute! (I wonder if they come in my size, lol!) Oh, only 0-6 months, drat!

I had to pull this out of her sold items--This Day and Night Clutch Purse is fabulous! Love that bold aqua stripe!

This clutch is so pretty. Made with a berry Japanese fabric.

Visit jenniferladd, here.

My special today is:

$2.00 off this pair of beaded stars. Here's the link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Featuring....Abbydon Kraftwerks!

I'm so happy to introduce you to this next shop, Abbydon Kraftwerks. The owner's are Chris and Samantha, a married couple who love to craft! As I always say...The family that crafts together, stays together! OK, stop groaning! While Samantha creates jewelry, Chris creates most everything else.

Chris was attracted to using Perler beads because they reminded him of pixels. I think he has taken it to a whole new level with these snowflakes--just beautiful!

These are some of the most unique & beautiful earrings I have seen. Made with chinese cloisonne enamel beads, they would compliment any outfit.

This Sparkling Sequin Flower Brooch combines the stability of Perler beads with the beauty of sequins! What a lovely piece.

Visit Abbydonkraftwerks, here.

Today's special is:

$3.00 off this Handpainted floral treasure box! Here's the link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Come feast your eyes on this shop! Small Shiny Objects is an Etsy shop filled with jewelry, bookmarks, some home decor and the most fabulous "rainbow makers".

Hang this Crysteria Rainbow Maker in any window and watch the magic take place as your room is filled with color!

Here is a pretty rainbow beaded bottle. Wouldn't it look great on a windowsill catching the light, too? It also has another neat feature--the top ring is strung with elastic cord so it can be removed to wash the bottle or put over a clear glass ornament!

The jewelry is pretty here, too. I couldn't resist showing these cute "Frosty Earrings". Let it Snow!

Visit Small Shiny Objects, here.

My special today is:

$2 off any French Beaded Dragonfly! This is just one sample. See them all here.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

ClockRocks

Today's feature in my Countdown to Christmas is the Etsy shop, ClockRocks! The shop is filled with wonderful jewelry, magnets, and bookmarks.

Of course, I would zero in on this Purple Delight Necklace & Bracelet set! If you've read my blog before, you probably know that purple is one of my favorite colors. I like the way the glass pearls & the faceted beads contrast.
This Hexagon Jade Bracelet is unusual and so so pretty! There is a nice variety of jade coloring here, too!

This is a set of magnets called Frenzy! They would beautify any refridgerator even by themselves!

Visit ClockRocks, here.

My next special is a steal!

$15 off this French Beaded Flower Arrangement! Here's a link.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Featuring a new shop....Purplecatscorner!

Purplecatscorner is a new shop on Etsy, just openned on November 13, 2008. She is a mixed media artist who loves things cute & crafty. She is fond of angels, girls & hearts, and most of her work incorporates at least one of these themes. Although this is a new shop, she has already had three sales. Here are a few items from her shop:

This is an adorable fabric heart with the word "family" stitched on it. It has a folk artsy feel, doesn't it?

I love this 8x10 mixed media piece called, "An Angels Love". There is lots of texture here, & I love how each little heart is different.

This tile has a print of another sweet little girl holding a kitten.

Visit purplecatscorner, here.

The special for today in my shop is:

50% off this polymer clay picture! Here is a link to the listing.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Countdown to Christmas #7

Today's feature is the Etsy Shop,Juliaa. A shop totally filled
with just earrings--now that's my kind of shop! Whether you are looking for earrings with gemstones, pearls, glass or just silver-toned, you can find them here! Below are a few teasers--you'll have to visit her shop to see all the rest :)

These cobalt blue glass earrings make a strong statement! I think they are rather regal & I know I'd like them. What I also like is additional color choices, if blue is not your thing.

Remember that New Year's Eve party you're going to? Well how about adding these pewter pearls to complete your look! Very classy, and again also available in other colors.

These are the Azurite/Malachite earrings that I think are perfect for anytime!

Visit Juliaa, here.

My special today is:

50% off my polymer clay wine charms so you can throw a party of your own!

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Feature for December 6th is Mayhem Arts!

Beautiful photography and prayer beads, called Malas, define the Etsy shop, Mayhem Arts. There are exceptional black & white photos, color, and even a few giclee prints.
It was nearly impossible to pick a favorite photograph, but here are my top two:

"Waiting Room", an original photograph 8x10. These sunflowers are fabulous!

"Berries", an original photograph 5x7. You can almost taste them!

What I especially like about her photos is that she also offers them in other sizes.

I must confess I was not familiar with malas, but her detailed descriptions helped me to understand their purpose. The are used to keep count while one is saying a mantra or chanting. In any case, this is a beautiful wrist one. "Anahata Mala".

Visit Mayhem Arts, here.

My special today is:

Buy one aceo, get one free! (lower price=free item)
You can find my aceo section, here.

Modmoxie

This is my 4th Etsy shop feature & I am having such a good time! I just love discovering shops I haven't seen before. Take Modmoxie for one--how did I miss that shop!

When visions of sugarplums are dancing in your head, hop over to modmoxie & pick up this sugarplum bracelet. If her description alone doesn't get to you, this bracelet looks good enough to eat!

Going out on New Year's Eve? You will be the hit of the party with this ice cube necklace! Just think how this must sparkle. Add a little black dress & you're good to go!

Modmoxie also has a men's section. Here is the bramble bracelet. Made of heavy gauge copper with a leather cord woven through it, it's sure to please your guy!

Visit Modmoxie, here.

Today's special is 50% off this set of handpainted ornaments!

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Countdown to Christmas continues with.....

another great Etsy shop! All Things Tangled is all about knitting and crocheting! There are scarves, hats, and sweaters; but more than this, there are doggy items, purses and special items for the holidays!

Here is my favorite item from the holiday section. A scarf made in a diamond pattern in Christmas colors. If you peruse the holiday section, you'll also find one for Halloween, too! If that's not your thing, check out the regular scarf section for some beautiful choices.

This doggy sweater is, seriously, just too cute! And the model is adorable, too! Such expression!

Berets are oh so popular right now...and this off-white one will go with any outfit!

Visit All Things Tangled, here.

My next special will be.....

$5.00 off this OOAK Northwoods Santa!

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Jewelstreet Designs!

With an emphasis on art deco, nature, and architecture, Jewelstreet Designs on Etsy is a shop you will find yourself returning to again and again. Her creations are primarily copper, sterling silver, and gemstones.

I have had my eye on this sterling silver art deco cuff bracelet for some time! Who wouldn't like their wrist to be surrounded by hearts!

These magnolia copper earrings are among my favorites, too. Look in her shop for the vintage camera inspired earrings--too cute!

Jewelstreet also has a men's section where you can find this off center copper cuff. Very masculine! She will even make a matching ring. Speaking of rings--check out her men's neat barbed wire ring. They don't stay in her shop long!

I had a hard time selecting just three of her pieces to showcase here. You have to check out her sold items to see some of the beautiful tiaras in her wedding collection.

This is a shop I know well, and I wear my Jewelstreet Designs proudly! Here's the link to her shop.

And now for my next shop special:


Take $4.00 off my Jolly Santa Sled.

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Today's Feature....Pocketful of Sunshine!

Are you looking for a special card for that special someone? Well, the Etsy Shop Pocketful of Sunshine has you covered!

The shopowner, Maria, is bilingual in English & Spanish. She even has a section in her shop where she sells cards in Spanish!

There are plenty of cards for Christmas & Hanukkah, but I just couldn't resist showing this cute snowman card!

She is a dog-lover and also generously donates 50% of all sales from her “DT” Collection to benefit the Florida Boxer Rescue. I love the sayings--if you're a dog lover, you have to check them out!

Visit Pocketful of Sunshine, here.

And now, my first special......

For Dec. 2 only!!! Take $3.00 off this French Beaded Poinsettia Door Hanger! If you have been eyeing these...this is the last one!

A word about the specials...They are not posted in my shop. You must put "blog sale" in notes to seller & wait for an adjusted invoice. They are good for one-day only! They expire when the next one is listed!

Featuring...Melaniehazen!

From Cumberland City, Tennessee comes the Etsy Shop Melaniehazen. School Librarian by profession. A Glass and Metal Artist, this shop is filled with wonderful lampwork glass and metal art jewelry.

Looking for a great gift for several friends? Or a group of coworkers? Take a look at these glass tile pendants. These are the bright set, and she also has another set in her shop in soothing water tones.

This Bird's Nest Pendant is one of Melaniehazen's favorite pieces, and it is easy to see why. The craftmanship is excellent, and what a fun, unique piece of jewerly! I know Winter soon to begin here, but really, who can resist the first sign of Spring!

I don't know about you, but I am looking ahead to February, not that you have to wait until Valentine's Day to purchase the gorgeous lampwork hearts in this shop! This is only one selection! I love the swirly earth tones in this and the way she chose to wire wrap it!

Visit Melaniehazen on Etsy for your holiday shopping and beyond!

Don't forget starting tomorrow, I am listing one item each day as a countdown to Christmas sale. Details, here.