ArtFire Unique Gift Guide

ArtFire unique gift guides 

Find something different this holiday season. Unique. Original. Handmade. The unique gift guides on ArtFire are sure to pull up something you never even knew you needed. Check out the blown glass by artist Kelly Lowe. How cute is this?

Kelly Lowe Glass also makes Christmas ornaments at a very reasonable price. A great idea Hostess gifts and of course, perfect for your very own tree. :)

 Top your spirits in style this season. How cool are these?

All these unique gifts can be found on ArtFire. Check it out this year and find a unique gift for someone you love. ArtFire has revamped it's designed so be sure to look around and see how far it's come. You'll be amazed.

A Wedding Anniversary and Wine

Happy 12th Anniversary to Us. It went something like this.....

Ghost Pines Merlot 2008

My husband brought it home this evening for our 12th wedding anniversary. I realize I could shelve it for about 5 years and wonder what it might taste like by then, but I’ll never find out. You see, it’s our anniversary and I am sitting in front of the computer working on this website. For some reason I thought it might be easier than it is but I’m running in circles. Perhaps it’s time to read the help guides and look for videos to hasten the task at hand. The wine will take care of the rest.

Many thanks to Mr. Rox for understanding and thanks to Ghost Pines just for being here. God loves Nappa Valley…

and tonight, so do I.

ArtFire

ArtFire is a fantastic e-commerce site and offers many great tools for it's sellers. There are so many wonderful studios to browse and unique items to purchase. I also love the fact that, unlike my Etsy Shop, I'm able to customize my ArtFire Studio to look the way I want it to and am not limited to someone else's idea.

Top Five Reasons I love selling on ArtFire:

1. My Studio, My Way

I love that I can choose the colors, layout and design my studio to best coordinate with my jewelry designs. I can even change the colors to match the seasons if I choose!

2. You Don't Have to be a Rocket Scientist

So many times I've heard people say, "There's no way I could do that because I'm not good with computers". With ArtFire, you don't have to be. Step by step instructions walk you through creating your own studio, even if you've never sold online before.

3. Tools, Tools and More Tools

When I designed my own website I thought I would pull my hair out trying to learn about search engine optimization, or SEO for short. I was amazed to discover all of the information ArtFire offers FREE to anyone wanting to learn more. The information is written in simple language with instructions to help you, help yourself.

4. Google Shopping, The Find and More

Imagine the surprise of finding your items in search engines....at the top of the page! If you've got a good product that you want to get out to the world, you cannot beat the way ArtFire is designed. It's designed for YOU to succeed!

5. Community and Staff

ArtFire has an awesome community forum that the staff actually participate in. Not to shut down a question or close a thread, but to respond to you. Self moderated forums with the most helpful group of people you will ever meet. Ask a question, get support for your studio in the Critiques forum and promote to your hearts content!

ArtFire offers social networking widgets, artifacts you can proudly display and does not hinder your ability to link to other places you sell. Imagine that.

Imagine ArtFire

Become an ArtFire Pro with this link and get your 3rd month free!

Sign up here to receive a daily collection of beautifully photographed items and the chance to win a $100 shopping spree in any studio you choose. It could be mine!

Vintage Brooches

I adore vintage brooches. All vintage jewelry for that matter...so I enjoyed finding these lovelies this evening to showcase a few pieces from some great vintage studios on ArtFire.

Collection of Vin...

Curated By: RoxAndThings

ArtFire.com

Rox & Things

HHR Won't Turn OFF

My 2009 HHR (2,556 miles) is running with the key in the ‘on’ position and will NOT turn off. Completely dumbfounded, I call OnStar. OnStar cannot turn my car off so they connect me to a GM rep named Mike who says (I’m not kidding) “I have these calls about twice a week.” (WTF?)

“You need to get your car in to a dealership.”

“Yeah. No kidding. I work for one but it’s closed. How do I turn this car off?”

"We can call Roadside Assistance for you. I had to do that last week and when they got there they called us. In turn, I called a dealership in Hawaii since it was nighttime and they told us to unhook the battery…which I relayed to Roadside. Would you like me to call them?”

“Seriously? Why? They’ll just have to call you, right?”

“They might. The other one did.”

“Listen, just tell me how to turn it off. Should I unhook the battery?”

“You can. That’s what I’d suggest but we recommend you wear the proper gloves, use a pair of pliers and be aware that it may spark or jump.”

“The car may jump, Mike? (My 23 yr old son is standing in front of the car with the hood open when I suddenly SLAM my foot on the brake even though the car is in park.)

“We don’t want you doing anything you might not feel comfortable doing for your own safety.”

“Listen, Mike. You are suggesting we unhook the battery right?”

“Yes, but the alternator may keep running. I can call Roadside for you.”

“Thanks Mike but why bother if they’re going to call you and you are going to tell them to unhook the battery.”

“Yes, that’s what we would tell them.”

“Goodnight Mike and um, thanks.”

“Goodbye Lisa…have a great night.”

I couldn’t make this stuff up. Are you kidding me? My son pulled the fuel fuse and the car died. The dashboard is lit up like a Christmas tree but the car is not running. Tomorrow morning I’ll have someone look at it and ask more about this issue. Not that it helps me tonight….

Notecards from Children's Book

Isn't this a neat idea for old children's books? I have a slew of them I was going to donate but I'll look through them first to find a few that will work well for this. I love it!

Kraft Journals Anyone?

If you're near Altadena, CA, stop by Webster's Fine Stationers .

Kraft Journal made "the list" of Gifts For Her in Us Magazine! They'll have them in store along with a slew of other tongue-in-cheek office essentials that are great for stocking stuffers, in time for Christmas! Stay ahead of the trends with Webster's an...d meet the owners, Scott & Lori Webster. You'll be glad you did!

Fan Webster's on Facebook, too!

Coolstraps - Cool Artisan Guitar Straps

A very talented artisan that designs and makes by hand the coolest guitar straps you've ever seen, has just finished her latest.  She had purchased a set of vintage pins made of real leaves dipped in copper from me and knew immediately how she would put them to use. You'll want to check it out for the guitar hero on your Christmas shopping list.

 Terri, designer/owner of CoolStraps:

"A most unusual one of a kind custom hand embroidered guitar strap that captures the fiery blaze of autumn. The strap is red satin with hand embroidered tree limbs in gold metallic embroidery thread. Two pinned pure copper vintage leaves, polished to a reddish bronze finish, fall from the golden branches. The leaves are actual weeping birch tree leaves encased in copper. The back lining of the strap is sparkling gold fabric."

Rock on, Terri!

Happy Thanksgiving Funny~

Antique Books Door Wreath

I love, love, love this idea. So creative! It looks like she used red wrapping paper as a backdrop for the wreath. Everyone has old books, no?

ArtFire Grand Opening Giveaway

After a long hiatus from online venues, I'm back with bells on and am celebrating with my new shop on ArtFire. I'd like to include you by having a Giveaway / Sweepstakes.

To enter, please take a quick look at my new shop and tell me what your favorite item is. Let me know if you only purchase precious metal jewelry (sterling silver, 14kt gold, etc) or like brass and copper metals as well. (I do!)  In this way, you're helping me with a bit of market research while entering for a chance to win a sample design of my work.

Your help is appreciated.  Good luck to all!

My First YouTube Video

Where I Create

Yes, it's behind this beaded curtain. Fresh paint and organization has really inspired me. Though I kept a lot of the things I used five years ago, some old/new things have been added...all on a budget of course!

The new paint color is Umber Stone by Kilz. On some monitors it appears blue but it is actually a grayed out green. It changes throughout the day and night and is very interesting. It's very calming and with the addition of other more vibrant colors it is just right for a room made to create, as well as relax.

Betty Bodice

I was looking for a new display for my jewelry and came across this counter top mannequin. At first I thought it would be fun to actually buy a few shirts for her (still might) but then I decided to decoupage her and a friend's mother donated a 1950's dress pattern to my cause. Sweet! The tape on her neck was the starting point for her new faux wooden top with handle. For the "handle" I used the bottom of an old chandelier. After decoupaging I aged her with craft paint to enhance her new vintage top.

As I was finishing her up I mentioned on Facebook that she needed a name.

Maureen suggested "Betty Bodice" and that was just too cute to pass up.  Thanks, Mo!

I'm pretty pleased with how it came out and can't wait to use Betty as my display piece!

My Front Page Treasury ~

 Woo-hoo! Congrats to all the Featured Shops.

Prepare for Autumn with fabulous Etsy finds....

Fun with Vintage Train Cases

I found these vintage train cases at Goodwill for $4 each. Great condition, just in need of cleaning. Even the tags were origional, an added plus. My son's girlfriend and I decorated our cases with rub on transfers (available at craft stores) and then sealed them for protection. Three coats of Mod Poge each...finished with two coats of an acrylic spray sealer. We used gloss on these for a faux patent leather look.

Fun and whimiscal. I plan to do another with a more vintage feel, old world maps, etc., and a matte finish.

Sterling Silver Wirewrapped Rings

Who knew rings could be so much fun? I've really enjoyed making these and wanted to share my latest creations.  Additional designs can be found in my title link.

Tab Top Purses

My friend Liz has an aunt that lives in Ojo de Agua, Mexico, named Roci, (pronounced Ro cee) who is a very creative artist.  She makes wonderful needlepoint pillows, dolls and greeting cards that are out of this world. She also crochets these very interesting tab top purses. Roci has a friend that works at a recycling plant so she is able to get all of the tab pulls she needs. Lucky lady!

These purses come in two sizes, perfect for mother and daughter/granddaughter. Fully lined with a reinforced bottom and inside zipper. I feel so totally hip and cool having one of my very own. Don't you think these are neat?  Available in any color with their very own adorable dust bag. I love them and had to share. The link (click on the title) shows a couple more in my Picasa album...just some quick shots taken at work on the desk but I couldn't wait to post them. :)

A Date to Remember

Today I created a special necklace for a bride's special day.

 

 I've been making sterling silver stamped jewelry this year and loving every minute of it. You can find these and more under my "Sold" items in my shop.
 

Above is a Mother's Necklace (just in time for Mother's Day) and below is an initial necklace.

and another necklace here....

I'm currently working on salvaging a 14kt WG earring for my daughter. She lost the other one so it's time to turn this one into either a bracelet or necklace as the earrings were given to her by her dear husband on their 11th wedding anniversary. I hope I do it justice! I'll post before and after photos soon.

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and yours a very special Christmas.

May you rejoice in His birth and may the new year bring you good health, happiness and joy.

Until next year.....

Today's Treasury

I do have such fun finding shops I've never seen before on Etsy. I'm a huge proponent of handmade and supporting those fine artists is important to me...so here they are. If you visit, please explore the shops by clicking on the photo. You never know what you might discover. ;->

A Blooming Case

A Corn Chowder Kind of Day

So we're at Sam's Club one day about a year ago and I tell the eldest son to go grab some corn. We'd just walked down the canned veggie isle and I grabbed a few things (working full-time, canned is a blessing at times) but forgot corn. I was with both sons and youngest was pushing the trolley thingie while I was shopping, not really paying attention to the corn issue at hand.

When we got home the boys were carrying in the groceries while I was stocking the kitchen cupboards, freezer and fridge.  Imagine my surprise when I came across a can of corn fit for a (really bad, we'd have fresh corn-on-the-cob) neighborhood  get-together! Wow. This is what a college education results in, I asked? lol! Anyhoo, the corn is good until 12-2010 and I'm tired of looking at it. Finally. I make some chowder for dinner. Guess what's for lunch tomorrow? Guess what eldest son and I are taking for lunch Monday? Guess which family won't want more corn for awhile?

Eldest son did say, "Muy bueno, mamacita!" ....as he should have.....

Sunday's Banana Pudding

I've been taking a break, much needed and well deserved if I do say so myself. It's been a nice, albeit very hot summer in Texas. Today I cleaned out the bathroom built-in cabinet that houses make-up, hair products, deodorant, etc. Planned to put new shelf liner in but didn't have the one I wanted so a simple cleaning sufficed. Oh my. When did I ever think I'd wear that sparkle purple eye shadow again? lol! It was nice to get rid of things I'd forgotten I had...like a pair of unopened contacts that expired in 2007!

Let's see...I baked a ham, ironed 2 pair of capris and 3 blouses. I've been doing great wearing things that don't require ironing but today I realized I'd been wearing them, and wearing them, and wearing them so I had to give in to Westinghouse. After doing so well with tidying up I decided to treat myself, I mean my family, to a good ol' helpin' of banana puddin'. Life can be good in the South...if you can stand the heat.

Inexpensive Light Box

I have plenty of light from a bay window in my kitchen but I also have wood and my handmade silk drapes...gorgeous drapes, if you want all of your photos to have a strange red hue. Previously I made a light box from cardboard and white paper which worked well but was a pain to store. I wanted something, but what? How about something I already had? A storage container! Two tiles fit perfectly, one laying on the bottom and one against the back. I used a white sheet to cover the container and two inexpensive clip on lights that I clipped to a cut cardboard box lid.If you've been struggling with the perfect photos and don't have a light box you might try this. If you don't have a storage box you can pick one up for about $6. The tiles are 12"x12" and inexpensive at one of the Big Box Stores where you can also find the clip on lights for $5 each.

The results I achieved when shooting my jewelry and the neat thing? The tile, sheet, current projects and lights all fit in to the light box...oops...storage container...until next weekend when I have time to create something else.

Cool beans.

College Graduation

A quick blog post with an updated "Brothers" photo. This time with a graduation photo. I can't believe it's been four years. We're extremely proud and of course little brother is there once again with his arm around his big brother, beaming with pride. Title post links to last August. Life is good.

Green Peaches

A spring inspired feature that includes Dad. Enjoy checking out the featured artists~!

Eye on Purple Peaches...

Cool Etsy shops with purple and peach items. Yum-O! Keep your eye on cool colors this spring. Peach and purple are always winners. Blues and whites mix well with these shades, too....just check out the "eye" that spotlights this Treasury. ;> Eat Peaches!

Standing on Oranges

A fun treasury made from handmade, vintage and photography shops on Etsy. Click on the link to see....and eat an orange. :>

A Chartruese Spring

The exact shade between green and yellow. I've chosen a few of my favorites to brighten your day....and mine! Enjoy.