www.rachaelsgarden.etsy.com

Believe!!

2011-08-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

With all the changes that have been occuring in my life recently, I have found myself leaning on my faith more often and trying to accept that the challenges that have been coming my way are actually a gift.
Although it is difficult to see clearly while going through a tough situation , it seems that the knowledge and growth that I receive after the challenge makes it not so bad.
I'm adopting a new attitude and counting my blessings - after all there is always someone who would love to trade problems with you and it makes me feel like mine are too bad after all. So to start, I am following a few tips

* Try Even When You Still Think You Can't Do It
* Any Effort, Regardless Of The Outcome Is Better Than No Effort At All
* Recognize The Possibilities
* Realize That "This Too Shall pass"

I am starting a new series of signs titled "Believe.." Here is the first of many to come. Check back often as I am always adding new items to my shop.

If you are interested in ordering one in your own custom colors or design, let me know and I would love to work with you!

Believe in Heavenly Things

http://www.etsy.com/listing/79274789/shabby-sign-believe-in-heavenly-things?ref=pr_shop

New Start - the Pursuit of Happiness

2011-08-04T20:36:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's been a while since I last blogged but I've made a promise to keep it updated more often. There have been alot of changes in my life the past year. Sooo, I'm making a list of changes and updating my blog as well as creating is one of them. Afterall, as they say happiness is s choice so I am choosing to be happy and count my blessings. I've been busy adding new items to my Etsy Shop. Besides birdhouses, I have been working on picture frames, welcome slates for the fall and Halloween, as well as more ornaments.
Making an effort to network more with others is proving to be a positive thing Here are a few new items that I have recently listed.I hope you enjoy them!

Retro Inspiration Handmade Outdoor Birdhouse

2011-05-05T08:27:00.001-07:00

Retro Inspiration is the newest birdhouse in the RachaelsGarden Collection. It is handmade, functional and truly unique. Use it indoors or outdoors. Sure to be the envy of the neighborhood! Find it in my Etsy shop at www. rachaelsgarden.etsy.com

www.rachaelsgarden.etsy.com: Listen to Your Children ♥♥♥

2011-04-17T14:18:00.000-07:00

www.rachaelsgarden.etsy.com: Listen to Your Children ♥♥♥: "LISTEN to your children, they speak in such a beautiful, unspoiled, innocent language. The mistake we make as adults is that we see it as ou..."

Listen to Your Children ♥♥♥

2011-04-13T19:18:00.000-07:00

LISTEN to your children, they speak in such a beautiful, unspoiled, innocent language. The mistake we make as adults is that we see it as our responsibility to teach children about life, when in reality they hold the key to reminding us, as adults made cynical by this world, who we really are.
Chidren represent all that is pure in this world and we could learn so much if we just listened to them. - Mamadou

Our limitations - Words of Wisdom

2011-04-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

You are the primary power source for your own limitations. Every time you say, out loud or to yourself,” I could never do that" you are affirming your limitations. That little voice can say anything you want it to say. Listen to what you're telling yourself, think about it. Do you really need to be criticizing and limiting yourself? Start being supportive of YOU and watch how quickly your world changes for the better - Mamadou

Will you be the 100th Etsy Customer in my shop? - $10.00 off your next purchase

2011-03-23T13:56:00.000-07:00

I just sold my 99th item on Etsy! If you are the 100th buyer, you will receive $10.00 off any additional purchase from my shop! If there is something you are interested in, it may be a good time for you to grab it!

New artisan made, hand painted birdhouses and home decor items have been being added weekly. Look for my new line of hand painted picture frames and wall shelfs to be coming out soon. Happy Spring everyone!!
Here are a few of my new birdhouses

New Original Birdhouses for Spring!!

2011-03-14T17:13:00.001-07:00

It's been a busy year with a few family members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. Things have finally started to settle down and I have been very busy creating new birdhouses for my shop. I've also added some decorative indoor items as well, so here is a mini-Etsy Preview for you!

Help Our Military Kids!!! With one click!

2010-03-20T13:29:00.000-07:00

PLEASE help children of fallen soldiers deal with the loss of their parent.Our Military Kids provides support to children of deployed National Guard and Reserve and all service members through grants for enrichment activities and tutoring. These activities help the children cope with the stress of having a parent in a war zone, or a parent recovering from injury. To vote go to "health" , then 50K grant

VOTE once a day until March 31st. We have dropped to 5th place so we need your help.Just click on link above. Military Kids are HEROES too. Did you vote?

Words of Wisdom - Staying Positive!

2010-03-08T13:43:00.000-08:00

I started my Word's of Wisdom Corner a few month's ago and have not updated it in a while. So here is another thought about life itself, shared by my very wise friend:)

When you have a setback,that's not a signal to abandon the endeavor.In fact, it is a sign that you are making progress.An important part of the determination to succeed is the willingness to fail,and the confidence to see every failure as temporary.Of course you'll make mistakes and occasionally run into some dead ends....And each time you do, you'll be moving forward toward ultimate, certain success.BE ALWAYS POSITIVE.

Re-decorating inside and out!

2010-03-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

Catching Up!

2010-03-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

Spring is finally on it's way and I've just realized how LONG it has been since I updated my blog. Alot has happened, some good - some not so good but as the saying goes, "Time heals all wounds".
I have been busy spring cleaning, and creating new birdhouses and art work for my etsy shop. Visit me at www.rachaelsgarden.etsy.com

Here is a preview of my two newest birdhouses!

Happy New Year! Words of Wisdom

2009-12-31T07:49:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!!

Your shortcomings and disappointments are all in the past now. It doesn't matter what happened last year. Every year you start with a clean slate. Every year is an opportunity to begin the process of turning your dreams into reality. The past has brought you to where you are. Learn from the past and let it go. Your past does not define who you are or what you can accomplish - YOU do! Bye 2009 and Welcome 2010!! Are you ready??

Words of Wisdom...a Christmas Message from a wise friend

2009-12-25T07:38:00.000-08:00

On this day of Christmas giving, choose to offer the greatest, most meaningful and lasting gifts you can give. With every word, with every thought, with every gesture, with every interaction, give love. With Love the impossible becomes real. LOVE is the greatest gift. Love changes lives. Love understands, enables, protects, and inspires. In love is the power of patience and the freedom of forgiveness. Merry Christmas!

More...Words of Wisdom

2009-12-21T21:07:00.000-08:00

Admit to not knowing and you will learn. Admit to your weakness and you will become stronger. Admit to your mistakes and you will learn to move past them. Admit that you don't know what to say and you will have said just the right thing. Admit that you are confused and you will understand. Being honest with yourself, with others and with life can often be difficult and intimidating. LIVE the truth of who YOU are and it will bring out the best that you can be

WORDS OF WISDOM

2009-12-18T10:25:00.000-08:00

Life is not a random accident. Instead of complaining about your circumstances, get busy and create some new ones. Your most treasured dreams are yours for a very good reason. You are the one special person who can make them real. When you give true purpose to each day, even the most difficult challenges will serve to lift you higher. Do yourself a big favor and give this day a meaningful purpose. ARE YOU READY? -Mamadou Diop

SUPER SALE ITEM THURSDAY NITE TIL MIDNITE

2009-12-18T10:17:00.000-08:00

As the holidays are quickly approaching, I have beenmarking down one item each day in my shop at a very low price. Some I have twittered, others I have put on the forums. Here is today's special Super Sale item.. KEEP YOUR BIRDIES WARM THIS WINTER! It is another original, artisan made birdhouse hand painted and signed by the artist, Karen Stocker.If you click on the link, you can see more detailed pictures. Hope you enjoy it!

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35919727

Another Positive Saying from a Wise Friend

2009-12-15T19:25:00.000-08:00

More WORDS OF WISDOM

Make today a celebration of the good fortune you have to be alive and able to make a difference in your world. You will pass through this day only once, so fill it with joy while you are here. Get out and explore the magnificent landscape that is filled to the brim with possibilities. Make every moment, ever thought, every action into a celebration. ARE YOU READY?

New Ornaments

2009-12-15T19:21:00.000-08:00

Just listed a brand new ornament I Love You to the Moon and Back Snowman Ornament. I LOVE snowmen as you can see from my shop! Hope you enjoy it! pERSONALIZED free WITH NAME , YEAR, or I can personalize the back if you wish!

Inspirational Words of Wisdom...

2009-12-06T13:22:00.000-08:00

I had the wonderful opportunity to work at Artist Row on New Derby Street in Salem, MA this past year. I started in the spring and it ended with a boom on Halloween Night! Besides having the privilege of selling my artwork in such an exclusive art appreciating community, I also had the opportunity to work with some very special people. The rewards of meeting these people and the way my life was touched by them and changed by them....is difficult to express in words. The saying goes that God puts people on your life for a reason and I really feel blessed that my path crossed with some amazing people. One of them is Mamadou Diop. He is from Africa and is living in the United States. He is a Performing Artist and has also won many humanitarian awards. I will be writing more about him soon, but the biggest gift that I received from his was his powerful wisdom. Mamadou shares so many positive quotes..and so much of his wisdom, and with his permission, I am able to share them with you! So, I will be posting periodically some of his "Words of Wisdom" in hopes that even one of them will touch your life and help you to see things in a brighter life! So here we go with my first post

WORDS OF WISDOM

If your thoughts could cause things to initially happen, what woud you think? The fact is that your thoughts directly control your actions and your actions have a major impact on the reality of your life. The quickest way to improve your situation is to improve the way you think. Your actions become more focused on creating value and at the same time, they become more effective. Changing your thinking can change your world!

Found Another Great Blog Giveaway!

2009-12-05T15:01:00.000-08:00

I am really having fun meeting people from their Blog Giveaways! Here is one I wanted to share with all of you! from PoshGirlsBoutique! Here is her shop http:// Good Luck and Have Fun! href="http:// Good Luck and Have Fun!> Good Luck and Have Fun!
Good Luck and Have Fun!
And here is the Blog Giveaway link!!
Good Luck and Have Fun!

Snowman Season

2009-12-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

Hi,
The season is finally here! Although it was mild today in New England, the snow will soon be fast upon us and I have been working hard on adding some new Snowman items to my shop. Here are a few of them;

Check back in my shop, as I will be listing more as soon as they are ready!

Crafted By Design - another awesome Blog Giveaway!

2009-11-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

Crafter by Design is a beautiful Etsy Shop that I just came across. They specialize in sewn crafts, crocheted items, and wood-turning. They also take custom orders on all slings, aprons, hairbows and pens/fire pistons Visit their shop at
www.CrafterByDesign.Etsy.com
Here are a few items from their shop!

They are also having an AWESOME Blog-Giveaway! Check it out because it ends tonight at midnight! Check it out at http://craftedbydesign.blogspot.com/ GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!

Blog Giveaway-FREE $25.00 Gift Certificate to my Etsy Shop

2009-11-28T06:33:00.000-08:00

I am excited to be hosting my very first blog give-away!

I'll be giving away $25 gift certificate which can be used at my Etsy Shop
Here s a preview of my shop!

The winner will be drawn randomly and will be announced and notified on Sunday, December 6, 2009. Have fun and happy shopping!
5 WAYS TO ENTER OR ENTER ALL 5 WAYS!

* Please comment below and tell me what your favorite item is in my store! (1 entry)

*Become a blog follower for another extra entry! (let me know in a separate post if you are)(1 entry)

*Blog about this for another extra entry! (give me the link in a separate post
(3 entries

CYBER MONDAY SALE on ETSY

2009-11-26T23:24:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to be holding my very first CYBER MONDAY SALE in my Etsy shop! www,rachaelsgarden.etsy.com .The savings are HUGE! Take 20% 0ff ANY birdhouse, or print in my shop and also look thru the shop for other additional items that are 20% off

FREE SHIPPING IN U.S. on ALL Christmas Ornaments in my shop! This is a great way to not have to deal with the crowds and get some productive shopping done from the comfort of your own home - without using any gas!

Please remember, ALL items in my shop can be personalized for FREE. Birdhouses make a wonderful git for friends and family and can be treasured for years to come. Ask me to paint a "Welcome" sign with the gift receiver's name on it, or even a name plaque above the doorway -I am always more than happy to hear your ideas and work with you! Here are a few samples from my shop! Thank you for looking!

Snowman Sports Ornaments! Custom and Personalized

2009-11-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to offer my Snowman Sports Ornaments. They were a quick sell-out last year. YOU PERSONALIZE IT - simple! YOU DESIGN IT - I WILL PAINT IT! - THEY WILL LOVE IT!
HIGH SCHOOL TEAMS - COLLEGE TEAMS - ANY IDEA YOU HAVE! READY TO GIFT!

Uniform colors, team name, jersey number, player or coach name, year, whatever you like.

New Treasury - Mystical Tree

2009-11-09T15:55:00.000-08:00

I just got into a New Treasury and wanted to share with you!!
Check it out!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=93011

Donald of CandlesbyDonald a beautiful write-up and person

2009-11-06T21:41:00.000-08:00

I have been wanting to take the time to share with you a write-up that was done by a CIC Member and Friend Donald of CandlesbyDonald. He is amazing person, a talented candlemaker and craftsman, a good friend to all and a Vietnam Vetran - my HERO! Here it is - I hope you enjoy it!
A Cornucopia of Hand Painted, Artisan Made Birdhouses, and Whimsical Folk Home Décor

written by Donald T. MacKinnon

As I strolled down the virtual path I noticed what appeared to be a quaint little shop not that far ahead. As the sign over the doorway came into view I read “Rachael’s Garden beautifully hand painted crafts”. I noticed the door was ajar and the “open” sign was out. It looked very inviting inside this virtual shop so I opened the door a little wider and entered. A voice said “Hello”, “hello”. Having been distracted by the amazing array of craft creations on display, I finally responded to the third hello. “Rachael?” I asked. “Oh no, my name is Karen. The store is named after my daughter” she said and welcomed me to look around. I had already started; after all it did take three “hello’s” to get my attention away from the floor to ceiling assortment of the most colorful array of birdhouses. Birdhouses were on hooks, perched on tall poles, short poles, hung from the ceiling, and set on tables for display. Round ones, and square ones, pointed roofs, slanted roofs, flat roofs, one door, two doors, three doors, and much, much more; was the unbelievable assortment. “There are so many beautiful bird homes” I said. “What?”came the voice from the back of the shop. There sat Karen in a chair carefully putting the finishing touches on the sides of her latest birdhouse creation. My gaze turned to the back wall and a large sign “Artisan Made Birdhouses and Whimsical Folk Home Décor”. “I know you paint the birdhouses, but who builds all of the unique designs”? “I do”, Karen said, “in a small woodworking shop out back.” I continued to take a closer look; so many different styles. The materials seem so varied and of high quality. I quickly realized the materials are recycled, that explains the dry aged wood; there is nothing better to build things with. She used metal, wood scraps, old hardware, even tree bark, and various kinds of high quality materials all clean and safe for our little friends. “I’m curious, how do you know these designs will work?”, I asked. “Look out the window” was her answer. And there, set up against a small wetlands area and all across the backyard, was every type of bird house displayed in her store and then some. “The guests seemed so happy” I said. “You are all too right”, she went on to explain “as more and more areas are developed, brush cleared and old trees cut down a substitute for their old habitat is needed; the birdhouse. If you build it, they will come”. “Ah, thank you now I see”.

As I continued to work my way around hand-painted tissue box covers, lattice letter holder/bill organizers, wall hangings, and signs. Yes signs, hand-painted of course, indoor/outdoor for a cabin, cottage, shed, house, or summer home. “Custom orders welcome” a small card set in the open started me thinking, “now where could I use one of these great looking signs”. I had been so caught up in the birdhouse bounty that I failed to notice this incredible selection of folk home décor items. My gaze fell on a large selection of folk art prints, all made from original painted works by this artist. Since having been a volunteer fireman in an all volunteer department, my eyes were drawn to a beautiful print of an original painting by Karen, “My Little Red FireTruck". As fire trucks go this was a real beauty. Soon my vision became unglazed and I returned to the present as more prints of original paintings appeared. “Jack’s Little Green Tractor”, “Mickey’s Old Yellow Dump Truck”, “Owen’s Blue Quad Four Wheeler”, “Little Mixer”, and everyone of them a beauty. There was a chair by the counter I needed to sit down, so many memories brought back by these beautiful creations. As I sat something out of my past appeared on the wall; up high in the corner another print made from an original painting by Karen, a folk rendition of Nubble lighthouse, a place known well to me above and below the water. I had completed many dives in the clear cold waters adjacent to the lighthouse. Print after print of beautiful folk art, and all reflected a similar theme; faith, family, community, honesty and an appreciation for the simple things in life. I looked at my watch, hours had past for me, but such glorious hours they were. “Karen, thank you for an afternoon well spent, and I will be back.” “I know you will” she said with that wonderful warm smile that greeted me earlier. I encourage all who read this article to visit “Rachael’s Garden”, look around for gift ideas, maybe even buy a birdhouse for our little friends and yours. Remember these little feathered creatures eat many times their weight in bugs each day and do it with a song.

THANK YOU DONALD! Please take the time to visit Donald, shop around, and read his wonderful bio!
http://www.artfire.com/users/candleguy821

CIC New Treasury!

2009-09-21T07:52:00.001-07:00

Hi,
I just wanted to share a new Etsy Treasury! All members of Collaborators in Cahoots!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=69099

New Artisan Made Birdhouses including Papa's Barn

2009-09-19T21:05:00.000-07:00

I have been working really hard and getting eady for the fall. I wanted to share some new birdhouses with you that I have added to my shop.

Recycled Art - Lighthouse Birdhouse Whimsical Birdhouses and more!

2009-08-08T19:41:00.000-07:00

I have been SO busy working and adding new birdhouses to my EtsyShop. I am also so excited to be able to show and sell my work at Artist Row in Salem, MA. Come by and check out all the new designs - you will never find two alike! Most of my birdhouses are made with recycled materials. They are quickly becoming collectors items. I LOVE my work and love to share it with others!

FREE GIFTS TO BE WON - JOIN THE TREASURE HUNT!

2009-07-03T08:33:00.000-07:00

FREE GIFTS - JOIN THE TREASURE HUNT!! There is an exciting and FREE treasure hunt to play on Etsy! It is completely FREE to play. No purchase necessary. TWELVE winners and a grand prize winner!

Here is the link to the prizes
http://www.pixienook.blogspot.com/

and the link to the Treasure Hunt
Win Some Loot With Collaborators In Cahoots
http://etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=6202533

Have fun!

Asian Birdhouse

2009-06-30T07:31:00.000-07:00

2009-06-30T07:30:00.000-07:00

Some of new bidhouses! You can find them at Artist Row in Salem, MA or at either of my shops
www.rachaelsgarden.etsy.com
or
www.1000Markets.com

Calypso Blue Diva Birdhouse

2009-06-30T07:29:00.001-07:00

Every Bird needs a house - even the Diva bird in your yard - fun and functional!

Snowman Ornaments - Personalized and Custom

2009-06-30T07:29:00.000-07:00

My Irish Cottage Birdhouse

2009-06-30T07:28:00.000-07:00

My newest and favorite birdhouse.

2009-06-17T18:17:00.000-07:00

Etsy Artist Feature - Vicki Diane

What a wonderful and talented woman! I was so excited to get the opportunity to interview Vicky Diane- it was like my first Barbara Walters story!

This is a very special interview with the the very beautiful, kind, and vibrant Vicki Diane - one of the most generous, selfless persons I have had the pleasure of meeting on Etsy! Please take the time to visit her shop and read her profile - what an interesting life! - You will be happy you did!http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=85923

1.Who are you and where are you from?
I'm Vicki Diane born in London UK and living in Southern Spain now for nearly 12 years

2.What is your craft and how long have you been doing it?
I am self taught and have been designing and making jewellery now for 23 years

3.Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration now comes from my beautiful Mediterranean surroundings, the sea and mountains and sunsets and the vibrancy of this fabulous country's pulsating exciting music and colourful fashion

4.What are your favorite materials to use?
I work 90% with copper based metals. I use ANY other medium I take a fancy to such as leather, stones, fabric, feathers, sparkle, chain, watch parts,fairies, butterflies, acrylics, really ANYthing I can lay my hands that will keep still long enough ;)

5.If you could do any other profession, what would it be and why?
I was a professional pianist and blues singer for 20 years and worked all over the world and even made a few records. My father was a film director and sculpted as a hobby and my mum a nurse and brilliant pianist, so all my talents are inherited. I went to drama school a short while and learnt dancing, I played the drums and acted in one of my dad's films... he was in partnership with Douglas Fairbanks Jr for quite a while.

6.What other activities do you like to do?
I used to play tennis for my County many years ago, and still love the sport. I go to the gym 5 times a week if Etsy permits me and music is still an enormous part of my life, whether relaxing or working. I do not like TV... it doesn't stimulate my mind. Animals are a huge part of my life too, although I don't have any myself now as I travel too frequently. My family do and all my friends and I can't imagine life without animals around me even if they're other peoples or strays.

7.What is your favorite flavor ice cream?
Ice cream is not a food I would say is a favourite... I'm an avocado, cheese and mango freak. Will do anything for them... certainly don't have a sweet tooth, just love sweet guys and gals ,))

8.What advice do you have for people thinking of selling their handmade items?
My advice for selling handmade goods is... if you believe you're good at it... don't give up. Persist...improve...promote, advertise...make yourself known however you can, and DO take criticism but stick to what YOU like and know. You will eventually be recognized if the talent is there!

Happy Mother's Day Treasury by VickiDiane

2009-05-08T17:31:00.000-07:00

I am so excited and honored to be chose for the Happy Mother's Day Treasury by the very generous and vibrant VickiDiane. Here is the link if you'd like to see the Artists Exposed!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=56693
Thank you VickiDiane......pssssst look for her Etsy Featured Artist interview coming soon - I am as excited as Barbara Walters!

Country Birdhouse Just Added

2009-05-08T17:17:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy creating these past few days - debating whether I should be out doing the yard, cleaning the house, or doing what I love most - so I picked the latter!

I love birdhouses and here is my newest - just finished up today!

Sometimes, I think I just want to do a plain one, but I get so caught up in the detail - I think it is what makes each one unique! Hope you love it!

sihaya09 - Etsy Artist Feature

2009-05-04T18:51:00.000-07:00

1. Who are you and where are you from?

I'm Chris, and I'm from Baltimore, MD. I've been on an extended stay in Albuquerque, NM, but will be headed back East come summer.

2.What is your craft and how long have you been doing it?

I am a maker of shiny things. Most often, that's gemstone and wire jewelry. As for how long I've been doing it... well, when I was about ten or so my aunt took me to a bead store and showed me how to string some beads. As ten year olds do, I forgot all about it until much later. After college, I had gone through a rough break up and needed some way to occupy my time and my hands, so I went into another bead store and bought the basics-- glass beads, pliers, practice wire. Over time, it snowballed into a part time job, and now a full time one. I've had my Etsy shop for just over two years now, and use some truly fine materials.

3.Where do you get your inspiration?

Fairy tales, steam punk, good literature, Pre-Raphaelite paintings, interesting color combinations, and images of historical figures.

4.What are your favorite materials to use?

I love found or vintage pieces-- old keys, escutcheons, and the like. But I also have a passion for stones. Labradorite is probably my favorite, but I like rutilated quartzes, sunstones, and fluorite quite a lot as well.

5.If you could do any other profession, what would it be and why?

People always tell me I'd be a good party planner or a personal shopper. I think it's because I have a strong sense of visual coordination-- I tend to be quick to put together interesting colors and silhouettes that address each client's wants and needs. I'd also like to go back to school to be a counselor later in life. The world needs more compassionate listeners.

6.What other activities do you like to do?

I'm a dancer! I used to be heavily into swing dancing, but now most of my passion is directed straight into improve Tribal bellydance. It's just so fun to up there with a group of other dancers, smiling and connecting and having a lot of fun! Aside from that, my boyfriend and I like to hike, and I spend way too much time watching costume dramas!

7.What is your favorite flavor ice cream?

Oooh, a hard one. I think it's pretty evenly split between Ben & Jerry's Half Baked (chocolate chip cookie dough and fudge brownie) or mint chocolate chip. But ALWAYS with rainbow sprinkles on top!

8.What advice do you have for people thinking of selling their handmade items?

Work on your photography! Seriously, this is something I struggle with to this day and although my pictures have gotten a lot better, they still have a ways to go! Aside from that, don't get discouraged if you don't sell right away. Marketing your stuff takes time and effort, and it'll probably take awhile before the ball gets rolling. It's usually not a reflection on the quality of your product, so just keep pushing on.

Please check out this very talented artist at www.sihaya09.etsy.com

Coming Soon! Beach Garden Farm and Birdhouse Mural

2009-05-02T22:18:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share some of my favorite murals that I have completed in the past year. I enjoy painting in children's rooms, as they have such great ideas and imaginations! Look for pictures and descriptions coming soon!

Birdhouses - new style - just added!

2009-05-01T11:44:00.000-07:00

I just added a new style of birdhouses to my shop - simple lines, a little more retro in color and fun! Just remove the top to clean at the end of the season! Great Mother's Day gift, or start you own collection! Tell me what you think?

SassyShades - Etsy Artist Feature

2009-04-30T11:04:00.000-07:00

I have met so many wonderful and helpful people on Etsy, that I have decided to Pay It Forward, by featuring an Etsy Artists of the Week! Its great to know the person behind the product! Meet Kristi -the first Etsy Artist to be featured on my blog! Please visit her unique shop at http://www.sassyshades.etsy.com/

1.Who are you and where are you from?

I'm Kristi Uvence and I live in Edmonds, Washington (a beautiful small town on Puget Sound 15 minutes north of Seattle).

2.What is your craft and how long have you been doing it?

I make custom decorative handmade lampshades. I learned my craft in March '08, started publicly showing them in our local street market in summer '08 and presented them on Etsy as of 4/6/09. I'm definitely a newbie on the scene!

3.Where do you get your inspiration?

I love to make things and have always been inspired by anything handmade and unique. One day while looking around my house I thought about how fun it would be to make lampshades in different ways not found at your local store. I found a wonderful woman in Vermont who offered a Saturday class. So, I took the plunge and flew across the US where Judy Lake from Lake's Lampshades became my inspiration and mentor. Being around encouraging people on a daily basis is also a huge motivator and inspiration. It's working because here I am!

4.What are your favorite materials to use?

My favorite materials are the use of vintage items and fun trims. As time goes on, I find that I simply love all sorts of fabrics! I recently took a turn and made a lampshade out of vintage sheet music. That was fun and I think it is very unique!

5.If you could do any other profession, what would it be and why?

If I could do any other profession, it would be in the landscape business. I love to garden and became a Master Gardener 2 years ago. Again, it's that creating something beautiful for the enjoyment of others as well as for myself. I must admit, however, I love playing in the dirt!

6.What other activities do you like to do?My favorite activities are anything outside! I'm an outdoor enthusiast! I also am and have been a huge sports fan and cheerleader for my kids sporting events (only one left at home). The list could go on and on by I will end by saying I also enjoy serving others. I've done a couple of mission trips out of the country and it has been the most rewarding and uplifting experience.

7.What is your favorite flavor ice cream?

Ice cream....yummy! My favorite would have to be Rocky Road and the more nuts and marshmallows the better!

8.What advice do you have for people thinking of selling their handmade items?

My advice to others who are thinking of selling their handmade items would be, "Do what you love and LOVE what you do!".

NEW- FEATURED ETSY ARTISTS OF THE WEEK!

2009-04-30T10:48:00.000-07:00

Art Studio

2009-04-28T18:12:00.001-07:00

I finally decided to claim one of the garages at my house for my own! I'm working on turning it into my OWN studio. So far, I have emptied out the garage LOL....well, its a start.
I want to be able to have a place to escape and create, instead of carrying everything back and forth from my husbands shop, to the the kitchen table, and back again! WoooHooo - my kids will actually have a table to sit at that isn't covered in projects!
I'll keep you updated with pictures - So excited and greatful!

I WAS JUST THINKING......

2009-04-28T18:10:00.000-07:00

I've learned a lot this year: Life is too short to wake up in the morning with regrets. Love the people who treat you right, forget about the ones who don't,and believe that everything happens for a reason. Look at life through the eyes of a child - their world is so small and they are fearless. Laugh your heart out, cherish the memories, ignore the pain, love and learn, forget and forgive.

Bird Houses

2009-04-28T08:40:00.000-07:00

I decided to actually start working on y blog today! I've been really busy creating and listing new items for the spring. Check out my new collection of birdhouses! Each one is original unique. They are a lot of work, but well worth the effort that goes into them.

These make a wonderful Mother's Day gift and are also very educational!

Did you know that common birds are vastly declining? Please sign the petition for legislation to save our feathered friends

http://audubonaction.org/campaign/birdsandclimate

Remember to search "bye bye birdie" to find other Etsy artists who are participating in this project!