Share the Love... Blogger's Unite Featured Artisan
This weeks Featured Artisan is Laura, Owner/designer of Artizen Beads.
Wonderful creations that inspire you! You can find Artizen Beads on:
November Sparks on Folksy
Can't believe it's the last day of the November Sparks listing club on Folksy today. It's been great fun, as always, and I think the first month I've managed to list or relist every day. Amazing sales tally too! Thanks to everyone who's featured me on their blogs or retweeted my listings - really much appreciated.
Here are some pink and red picks from the last few days. Click on any of the pictures to go directly to the shops.
1. Lovely coin purse by Moody Cow Designs
2. The sweetest brooch by Made by Lolly x
3. Silver and pink combo by Jessicas Jotters
4. Wear your heart in your hair with this clip by Astrid's Garden
5. Pink Lucite handbag charms by Blue Forest Jewellery (me!)
6. The cutest pink dice earrings by SP Jewellery
See you all in the December Elves!
November Sparks on Folksy
Can't believe it's the last day of the November Sparks listing club on Folksy today. It's been great fun, as always, and I think the first month I've managed to list or relist every day. Amazing sales tally too! Thanks to everyone who's featured me on their blogs or retweeted my listings - really much appreciated.
Here are some pink and red picks from the last few days. Click on any of the pictures to go directly to the shops.
1. Lovely coin purse by Moody Cow Designs
2. The sweetest brooch by Made by Lolly x
3. Silver and pink combo by Jessicas Jotters
4. Wear your heart in your hair with this clip by Astrid's Garden
5. Pink Lucite handbag charms by Blue Forest Jewellery (me!)
6. The cutest pink dice earrings by SP Jewellery
See you all in the December Elves!
Winner.
I'll make this short and sweet.
The winner of the Thats Sew Savanna door sign
The winner of the Thats Sew Savanna door sign
is random #7...
Congrats Allison of Keep Calm and Soldier On!
Please e-mail me to claim your prize!
Fed Up.
I'm seriously done with this dog. I'm sick of being barked at because I'm trying to make a grocery list. I'm sick of listening to whining because I can't always be rubbing her belly. I can't turn my back because Christmas presents have been destroyed. I'm done.
I'm sick of my things being destroyed. Never Danny's. Phone charger, two phones, computer charger. My favorite pair of shoes. My favorite pair of jeans and shorts. Not to mention my favorite autumn decorations. I've rearranged my living room three times to make living easier. I can't have her on the back of the chair near the window because she sees/barks/whines at everything.
I've tried every-single-one of your recommendations. Crate training, clicker training, the Kong, backpack for walks, spray collar, daily walks, and many more things. The only thing I haven't tried is a professional trainer. And honestly, I can't see spending the money when she hasn't proved to me that she can learn anything. She knows her name when it's convenient for her, she never comes when she is called.
My neighbors probably thing I beat her. I've given up on the "calm" commands...I've resorted to yelling. She doesn't care, her tail still wags. She doesn't get it. I've tried the "hit with the newspaper not your hand" approach. Yea...put the newspaper down and she will attack it.
I understand that she needs attention. But I wanted a dog not a child. I'm home all day, everyday...and apparently that's still not enough. When Danny was working days I was "relieved" at 5:30. She behaves when he is here. But with this new schedule...I never get a break. Ever. And it's getting worse. Is there a such thing as "Bring Your Dog to Work Day?" If not, I'm starting it. I need a break!
I'm calling the vet tomorrow. Maybe she can get some meds. If not, maybe I can get some. I'm losing my mind. And at the top of Miley's Christmas list is "calming treats."
It's been recommended that we "find her a new home." Has anyone ever done that before? I don't think I have it in my heart to give her away. You can't just give an animal away that you have has become a member of your family.
I've heard that some dogs are puppies until they are 18 months old. That means I have 6 more months of this!
What would you do? HELP!
I'm sick of my things being destroyed. Never Danny's. Phone charger, two phones, computer charger. My favorite pair of shoes. My favorite pair of jeans and shorts. Not to mention my favorite autumn decorations. I've rearranged my living room three times to make living easier. I can't have her on the back of the chair near the window because she sees/barks/whines at everything.
I've tried every-single-one of your recommendations. Crate training, clicker training, the Kong, backpack for walks, spray collar, daily walks, and many more things. The only thing I haven't tried is a professional trainer. And honestly, I can't see spending the money when she hasn't proved to me that she can learn anything. She knows her name when it's convenient for her, she never comes when she is called.
My neighbors probably thing I beat her. I've given up on the "calm" commands...I've resorted to yelling. She doesn't care, her tail still wags. She doesn't get it. I've tried the "hit with the newspaper not your hand" approach. Yea...put the newspaper down and she will attack it.
I understand that she needs attention. But I wanted a dog not a child. I'm home all day, everyday...and apparently that's still not enough. When Danny was working days I was "relieved" at 5:30. She behaves when he is here. But with this new schedule...I never get a break. Ever. And it's getting worse. Is there a such thing as "Bring Your Dog to Work Day?" If not, I'm starting it. I need a break!
I'm calling the vet tomorrow. Maybe she can get some meds. If not, maybe I can get some. I'm losing my mind. And at the top of Miley's Christmas list is "calming treats."
It's been recommended that we "find her a new home." Has anyone ever done that before? I don't think I have it in my heart to give her away. You can't just give an animal away that you have has become a member of your family.
I've heard that some dogs are puppies until they are 18 months old. That means I have 6 more months of this!
What would you do? HELP!
Illusion, Floating - The Magic of Crimp Beads!
Article by Isabel
Is it possible to make a necklace or jewelry without the strings? Of course not! But with a little magic using crimp beads you can make it appear like floating on your neck or just hanging without the strings being so noticeable. Yes, these jewelries are called Illusion or Floating necklaces. In my own term, I’d like to call it, Minimalistic Jewelries; meaning, not much will be seen hanging on your neck and they only use four basic materials to make these kinds of accessories; beading wire, beads of your choice, clasp and crimp beads, a very small finding but can do wonders in making an Illusion or Floating necklaces.
Crimp beads are tiny metal with a hole inserted onto a wire or string that can be used to fasten the ends of your accessory and securing the wire or string, especially when attaching the clasp. They are pressed using pliers to keep it in place for fastening, but sometimes they can also used as a stopper like in the case of making Illusion or Floating necklaces.
Still confused on how to make magic with crimp beads? You can learn how to use crimp beads by watching this video tutorial.
Here is a sample of what an Illusion Necklace looks like. As you can see, you do not see much but just a few beads, stringed with spaces or gaps and to prevent the beads from moving, crimp beads are placed at both ends of the beads. When wearing this type of necklace, because the crimp beads are so small, it would seem like the beads are hanging or floating on your neck. Also, because the wire is not so noticeable.
For the video tutorial of this sample of Illusion Necklace, you can visit Part 1 and Part 2. This is a design made by Karla Shafer of AuntiesBeads.com
I am not a fashion trendy gal but I think Illusion or Floating necklaces are nice to wear and would be fit with evening gowns in making a girl look classy without too much distraction from the neck up.
Now here is my own version of what I call, Minimalistic Jewelry.
I did not positioned any gaps between the beads because I wanted the beads to just freely hang at the center of the wire. Still, when wearing it, it seems that there are no strings or wire but just the beads hanging on your neck.
If you want to learn how to make magic with crimp beads, here is a video tutorial on how to make a Floating Illusion Necklace. Try it now and make some for your friends and families!
Diylessons.org compiles free video tutorials found from the internet. Visit diylessons.org for more free videos on jewelry making.
Download lots of free jewelry making tutorials at DiyLessons! Are you a jewelry (jewellery) making teacher/ tutor? You can also list your tutorials here too.Don't miss a post! Subscribe to Handmade Jewelry Club by Email FREE
"A Walk in My Shoes" Movie & Giveaway!
I don't know about you, but I always loved family movie night. I couldn't be more excited that on December 3rd family movie night returns to NBC!
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to spend a day in someone else's shoes? What it's like to have someone else's life, with out your own worries or problems? Well, that's exactly what "A Walk in My Shoes" is about!
What would you learn if you stepped into someone else's life? Things are difficult for four individuals whose lives unexpectedly collide - a stressed out schoolteacher, a struggling student, a single mom trying to make ends meet and a Marine beginning to adjust to civilian life. All their lives are transformed by Molly, a mysterious stranger, who causes them to see the world through the lives of others. Nancy Travis (Becker, 3 Men and a Baby) stars in this captivating and powerful story. No one will be left unchanged.
If you have seen the trailer for this movie, then you know it looks like a good one! This movie is perfect for every member of your family. If you haven't seen the trailer, here it is! (You can also view it here)
Be sure to watch "A Walk in My Shoes" presented by Walmart and P&G on December 3rd at 8/7c on NBC.
Every follower of Flip Flops and Combat Boots has a chance to win "A Walk in My Shoes" bundle pack..complete with movie and soundtrack (featuring many songs written and produced by Randy Jackson.) This is the perfect movie to add to your collection...or the perfect holiday gift!
How can you win? Starting today (Monday November 30th) through Friday December 3rd 8:00pm (Eastern time) you can tweet and blog about "A Walk in My Shoes" once a day per social network.
Mandatory: Leave one comment to say you are a follower of my blog, remember to leave your e-mail address.
Tweet: If you choose to tweet please use this "#giveaway from flipflopcombatboots.blogspot.com. Watch #Awalkinmyshoes presented by Walmart and P&G on NBC 12/3/10 at 8pm" Please comment with the link showing your tweet..once per day only.
Blog: If you choose to blog please include the link to my blog, link to the trailer, and tell people when they can watch the movie...once per day only.
That's a grand total of eleven chances to win! The winner will be announced at 11:59pm on December 3rd. And don't forget to watch the movie...I know I'll be watching!
Want another chance to win? Check out Goodnight Moon!
Disclosure: I have received "A Walk in My Shoes" viewing kit and DVD bonus pack in exchange for my honest review/opinion.
Want another chance to win? Check out Goodnight Moon!
Disclosure: I have received "A Walk in My Shoes" viewing kit and DVD bonus pack in exchange for my honest review/opinion.
Silver Prices - The Good and the Bad
by Patty Lakinsmith
First the bad news: The price of silver is through the roof. Many jewelry artists depend on this metal for their work - some exclusively, and others partially. Either way it's not good, as the cost of buying it as a material or a finished product has never been more expensive.I started out using exclusively sterling silver findings (headpins, ear wires, accent beads), and over the years have used more and more fine (pure) silver as I worked more with precious metal clay. The two materials work well together - you can embed fine silver wire into metal clay to make very functional components.
What are my options? Well, 50 grams of metal clay that cost me around $70 at the beginning of the year now cost close to $100. I could bit the bullet and buy more, or I could consider other materials. Perhaps the key is to just use less silver in my work, and to consider it more of an accent than a main element. Raising prices right now is not something that artists want to do. I've recently been using more alternative metals like brass and copper in my pieces, and liking the results.
One of the bright sides is that maybe this pressure will nourish a spate of creativity in us all as we look for new alternatives. Maybe (I hope) we will come to appreciate more kinds of beauty than just that associated with this one particular metal. Maybe repurposing and recycling itself will become the sought after, instead of some arbitrary, manipulated commodity.
This necklace by Reworkd on Etsy incorporates recycled vintage typewriter keys and steampunk elements, typically consisting of watch parts and other mechanical bits. Typewriter key jewelry is rampant on Etsy.
There are tons of recycled elements found in jewelry these days, from scrabble tiles, bottle caps, license plates, skeleton keys, dominos, plastic shopping bags, bullets, saris, broken china, skateboards, vinyl records, and even recycled sneakers and more.
Kathleen Plate is using recycled wine bottles for jewelry, home decor, and even clothing. This kind of work just makes me feel good inside. You know someone had a good time drinking the wine, she likely loves making things from the bottles, and when you bring one of her pieces home it makes you happy to look at it and for helping the planet.
I doubt that a rubber bracelet will ever convey as much value to its wearer as a silver one, but the other bright side of this is that now is a great time to sell your silver scrap. I'm also taking it as a personal challenge to find more creative elements to use in my jewelry, and I think that's a good thing.How are you dealing with the price of precious metals these days?
BESTeam weekly feature: flutteringflowers on Etsy
What a fantastic shop Fluttering Flowers is - you can indulge all your whimsical fantasies here - own your own octopus, village or fuss-free bonsai, furnish your dolls house or make your house plants look way more funky! Everything is beautifully modelled out of polymer clay for you by Deborah from Guthrie, OK. She has been modelling with clay since childhood, and only a little break when life got busy intervened. I imagine that some of these little sculptures must take ages to fashion out of the clay. They are not intended as toys, but they would surely charm the little ones as well as adults who appreciate the whimsical and playful.
Here are my top picks. Click on any of the pictures to go directly to the shop.
Yummy chocolate cake - but no calories! Excellent ;-)
Two little octopussys seeking a forever home together...
Lovely labybugs and strawberries for scrapbooking or card embellishments
Little forest collection - amazingly intricate little sculptures!
A bonsai - no pruning or watering required - perfect gift!
Your own little village - you know you want one.
Catch up with Deborah and her craft at these links:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlutteringFlowers
http://polymerplaytime.blogspot.com/
(and yes, another fellow dog owner, and you can see pictures of the very handsome Foxy Brown on this blog!)
Here are my top picks. Click on any of the pictures to go directly to the shop.
Yummy chocolate cake - but no calories! Excellent ;-)
Two little octopussys seeking a forever home together...
Lovely labybugs and strawberries for scrapbooking or card embellishments
Little forest collection - amazingly intricate little sculptures!
A bonsai - no pruning or watering required - perfect gift!
Your own little village - you know you want one.
Catch up with Deborah and her craft at these links:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlutteringFlowers
http://polymerplaytime.blogspot.com/
(and yes, another fellow dog owner, and you can see pictures of the very handsome Foxy Brown on this blog!)
BESTeam weekly feature: flutteringflowers on Etsy
What a fantastic shop Fluttering Flowers is - you can indulge all your whimsical fantasies here - own your own octopus, village or fuss-free bonsai, furnish your dolls house or make your house plants look way more funky! Everything is beautifully modelled out of polymer clay for you by Deborah from Guthrie, OK. She has been modelling with clay since childhood, and only a little break when life got busy intervened. I imagine that some of these little sculptures must take ages to fashion out of the clay. They are not intended as toys, but they would surely charm the little ones as well as adults who appreciate the whimsical and playful.
Here are my top picks. Click on any of the pictures to go directly to the shop.
Yummy chocolate cake - but no calories! Excellent ;-)
Two little octopussys seeking a forever home together...
Lovely labybugs and strawberries for scrapbooking or card embellishments
Little forest collection - amazingly intricate little sculptures!
A bonsai - no pruning or watering required - perfect gift!
Your own little village - you know you want one.
Catch up with Deborah and her craft at these links:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlutteringFlowers
http://polymerplaytime.blogspot.com/
(and yes, another fellow dog owner, and you can see pictures of the very handsome Foxy Brown on this blog!)
Here are my top picks. Click on any of the pictures to go directly to the shop.
Yummy chocolate cake - but no calories! Excellent ;-)
Two little octopussys seeking a forever home together...
Lovely labybugs and strawberries for scrapbooking or card embellishments
Little forest collection - amazingly intricate little sculptures!
A bonsai - no pruning or watering required - perfect gift!
Your own little village - you know you want one.
Catch up with Deborah and her craft at these links:
http://www.etsy.com/shop/FlutteringFlowers
http://polymerplaytime.blogspot.com/
(and yes, another fellow dog owner, and you can see pictures of the very handsome Foxy Brown on this blog!)
A Winner and the Spotlight...
by MaryAnn Carroll
Due to Thanksgiving falling on the same day that we announce our weekly Call-to-Create Designer Spotlight Winner, we did not select a designer to be shown off on our blog. Today we will be announcing that designer AND announcing our weekly LMAJ Giveaway Winner......
Soooooooo....without further ado,
Our Designer Spotlight winner is...
Lu Behrman from Designed by Lu.
~Hidden Forest~
Here is how Lu described this gorgeous necklace...
Deeply etched copper forest pendant (44x34mm) by jenniferstumpf; bronze leaf by summerstudio; glass headpins by GardanneBeads; HUGE (approx. 3/4") lampwork nuggets by twosisters; and the incredible chestnut/indigo chain and toggle clasp by missficklemedia. Measures 24"...
Now...for the winner of this beautiful necklace by our own Mary Jane Dodd......
using the random number generator, the #1 was picked......and that person is...
Carol DeLater.
Congratulations, Carol! You're one lucky woman :O) Check out Carol's blog Beads and Birds.
A Week Away...
in beautiful Sonoma. 
Any Hitchcock fans? The Birds was partially filmed in Bodega...this little church had a quick cameo in it. 
We went to see the outdoor art gardens at Cornerstone, neat shops and tons of interesting art installations. 
The food and wine were over the top...saw the fresh olive oil pressing, ate farm to table meals at Zazu, The Girl and the Fig, and Longmeadow Ranch among others. 
Visited wineries, bakeries, galleries, redwoods, and the very chilly Northern California coast. 
Stunning colors and scenery...I think I could definitely move there...
Cyber Monday sale is on all day Monday the 29th, 15% discount off website purchases- enter code: turkey sale
Any Hitchcock fans? The Birds was partially filmed in Bodega...this little church had a quick cameo in it. 
We went to see the outdoor art gardens at Cornerstone, neat shops and tons of interesting art installations. 
The food and wine were over the top...saw the fresh olive oil pressing, ate farm to table meals at Zazu, The Girl and the Fig, and Longmeadow Ranch among others. 
Visited wineries, bakeries, galleries, redwoods, and the very chilly Northern California coast. 
Stunning colors and scenery...I think I could definitely move there...Cyber Monday sale is on all day Monday the 29th, 15% discount off website purchases- enter code: turkey sale
LOFT Petite Cuffed Trousers - To Keep or not to Keep?
The day after Thanksgiving I woke up late and leisurely went to the local mall. I'm not big on the Black Friday craziness, but I did enjoy reading about many of your finds via blogger and twitter! The mall by my parents' house is pretty mundane...I got bored quick but did find the following at Forever 21:
- Knit cable tights in charcoal, sz SM (comes in 4 colors) which I now love - they're really warm and look cute under shorts or skirts. I had been eying a pair at H&M, but those cost a crazy $14.95! See these here on me.
- Satin bow headbands (3 colors) for $1.50 each. I don't really do headbands, but at this price I'll give it a shot! See here on me.
- More $3.50 nylon tights in charcoal, gray, and olive. These are opaque and one size fits all.
I then braved the crowd at LOFT to see if they had Kelly's wool trousers in my size. The item locator online said sold out, but lo and behold this store had tons in stock ... don't trust the item locater! LOFT was having 40% off so the pants came out to $42 (from $80), which is not exactly cheap for me, but I wanted to purchase first and decide later.
- Knit cable tights in charcoal, sz SM (comes in 4 colors) which I now love - they're really warm and look cute under shorts or skirts. I had been eying a pair at H&M, but those cost a crazy $14.95! See these here on me.
- Satin bow headbands (3 colors) for $1.50 each. I don't really do headbands, but at this price I'll give it a shot! See here on me.
- More $3.50 nylon tights in charcoal, gray, and olive. These are opaque and one size fits all.
I then braved the crowd at LOFT to see if they had Kelly's wool trousers in my size. The item locator online said sold out, but lo and behold this store had tons in stock ... don't trust the item locater! LOFT was having 40% off so the pants came out to $42 (from $80), which is not exactly cheap for me, but I wanted to purchase first and decide later.
Pants: LOFT Petite Equestrian Pants sz 00P (buy here w/ ENJOY for 40% off & free ship at any price)
Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Skinny Belt in Granite, sz S (buy here)
Belt: Ann Taylor Perfect Patent Skinny Belt in Granite, sz S (buy here)
Cardigan: LOFT V-Neck Long Cardigan sz XXSP (buy here)
Top: J.Crew pleated silk tuxedo shell sz 0 regular
Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Suede Pumps sz 5
Floral pin and earrings: J.Crew outlet
Shoes: Ann Taylor Perfect Suede Pumps sz 5
Floral pin and earrings: J.Crew outlet
These pants come cuffed but the length was too long on me to achieve a cropped, slouchy look. Thus I gave them another generous cuff. Refer to Kelly's two posts to see how these pants look on her originally and with the cuff rolled up. After seeing these photos, I need to roll up my cuff a little more tightly and neatly like she did.
Likes: If you like the menswear look then I would highly recommend these pants. The speckled gray texture is fabulous in person and the material is very warm (though take note they are only lined on the upper-half). Fit-wise, these are some of the smaller fitting LOFT pants I've tried on to date (tag says Marissa cut). I needed a little help with a belt but otherwise the fit around the waist/hips of a 00P is decent and doesn't need alterations, woohoo.
Dislikes: I wish these pants were a tad slimmer along the thighs, so the silhouette wouldn't be so peg-legged or carrot-like. Also, I'm not sure where the best length is for my body type.
Verdict: I don't have anything cute and cuffed, so I'm leaning towards keep!
This silk/chiffon blouse in women's 0 was a random find at a J.Crew store. It was about $20 after their discounts so although it was huge (see before alterations photo here), it only needed an easy alteration. I sewed in the sides myself (took about 5 minutes, otherwise I have no patience for DIY alterations).
Verdict: I don't have anything cute and cuffed, so I'm leaning towards keep!
This silk/chiffon blouse in women's 0 was a random find at a J.Crew store. It was about $20 after their discounts so although it was huge (see before alterations photo here), it only needed an easy alteration. I sewed in the sides myself (took about 5 minutes, otherwise I have no patience for DIY alterations).
There were some dissenting opinions when Kelly first revealed these pants. I think the key is getting them to be the right length for your legs, and wearing them with a shoe that elongates the leg (the shoes that the LOFT model has on are atrocious with these pants).
Readers - Would you keep or return these pants (for $42)?
Readers - Would you keep or return these pants (for $42)?
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