Too Fancy

Cheryl owns the "Too Fancy" jewelry shop.

You'll find lots of beautiful, and unique, items there. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and men's jewelry. Vintage jewelry and collectible items are also listed and well worth your time perusing.

All the jewelry is handstrung, woven, and wire-wrapped by Cheryl. If you'd like something custom made, she is always happy to help you.

There is a GREAT sale going on this week... 25% off all items. Use coupon: FROSTY at time of checkout.

Follow Cheryl on Twitter and Facebook to be among the first to see new listings and to find out about upcoming sales and promotions. Visit her blog, to get some great ideas for your holiday shopping list.  She has wonderful collections featuring dozens of different shops.

Beautiful Art and Artwork Guild

I received this beautiful card from Renee of, Renee Viesecas Allen Photography.

The Beautiful Art and Artwork guild had a Secret Santa exchange.

The picture of the sunflower is removable and I've already put it in a frame.  Inside the card was a lovely note from Renee and a beautiful daisy pendant and necklace.

Be sure to visit her website and see the gorgeous photography that she has posted there.  Sizes and prices are listed and I bet you'll find something for yourself and for holidays gifts.

Thanks Renee for the gorgeous gifts, I will treasure them always!

Spiral

Sharlene owns the "Spiral" shop on Artfire.

She enjoys creating wire-wrapped jewelry.  She even has some cute jewelry and purses made with bamboo materials.

Now's the time to check out her shop, she's having an Xmas in July sale!

You can follow Sharlene on Twitter and on her blog.  Then you'll always be among the first to know of upcoming events, listings, and sales!

So, start your Xmas shopping early!!!

Aussen Wolf Designs

Judy owns the wonderfully named, "Aussen Wolf Designs", jewelry shop on Artfire.

This shop is the perfect place to find a beautifully crafted piece of jewelry for your sweetie... or a treat for yourself!

There are gorgeous necklaces, earrings, bracelets, and sets.

There are even a couple of selections for the man in your life. Isn't that arrowhead necklace great???

If you're a tweeter, follow Judy on Twitter. Her account is very new, so let's show her some Twitter/blogger love and fan her please.   :o)    She also has a Facebook page that is new.  Follow and fan her, at both sites, to be among the first to know about new listings, upcoming sales, etc.

And The Winner Is.....

This winner of November's giveaway has been chosen (via random.org). 

Haunted Willow must have been really excited at the chance of winning a $10 gift certificate to my shop because she has the most entries for the month and it paid off.  ROFL

Congrats to Haunted Willow!!!

Stop by her shop, too, she has some really amazing handcrafted items.

December's prize is now posted in the upper-left hand corner.  Just leave a comment to enter giveaway.  Leave as many comments as you want.

Here We Go Again...Part 3

Thank you for stopping by to see the latest handmade shops and the items that I purchased.  I have had a lot of fun sharing with you.

This is by no means my last post...being a lover of handmade, I will continue to shop often and share with you here all of my finds.  :o)

Today's first shop is ArtbySunfire.  This shop has a nice selection of items to peruse.  I purchased these index card binders, with extra cards. 

My business phone book is filled but some letters (obviously) more than others and I have excess "m"s in the "x"s, etc.  This way, I can just add extra pages where I need them.  Much, much more organized and convenient!

Of course, I haven't had the time to transfer them yet (being on the mad dash to finish everything, for the holiday market craft show, Thanksgiving weekened).  *sigh*  Sure I'll have time closer to Christmas...yeah, right!  ROFL 

I also loved the keychain and purchased it for my stocking. 

I was very impressed with how well made the index binders were and just love the decorative papers that were used.

The final shop is Raine Forest.  I purchased a number of great items from this shop.  See the Enterprise and the Halo character?  They were printed on recyled dictionary pages and then treated to give them texture.  They are just TOO cool!!!

For those that know me and have been following my blog...you know I'm a Trekkie.  So, you know the Enterprise and the button are treats for me.  :o)

The Halo character is for my youngest son who just loves the game and all things Halo.

I couldn't resist grabbing the Jack Skelton button for my sister-in-law.  It's sooo her!  LOL

So, if you're looking for some great gifts give these shops (and any others that I've featured) a look and I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with the great things that you will find.

Don't forget that there's still time to enter my giveaway.  The prize & ways to enter as posted in the upper, left-hand corner.

Here We Go Again...Part 2

I have two more wonderful shops to share with you today.

The first is A Green Dress that has upcycled, recycled, and vintage items.  There are a number of cute dresses for toddlers that I wouldn't resist asking for one to be made for my neice.  I wanted a print that had a "hippie" look to it but needed it in a size 5/6 for my niece.  Michelle was wonderful in working with me to find a print that I liked and to make it the correct size.

This cute little dress is an upcycled bedsheet.  Except for the sleeves, it is fully lined with a snap back.

Isn't it super cute???  I think my niece is really going to be happy to have this as one of her gifts.

The next shop is Rosi's Place.  This was a fun place to browse and have added so many new things since I was last there (check out her tic-tac-toe boards...LOVE them!).

I bought this magnet as a stocking stuffer for myself.  It has a heavy duty magnet attached and is well made.  Of  course, I'm a quilter and just HAD to get it.  :o)

The final shop for today is Meg's Crochet Jewels.  She has beautifully crocheted jewelry.  I can't crochet and definately can't make jewelry and she combines them into one art! 

These anklets/bracelets were just too good to pass up.  My daughter's hit that age...16...what in the world am I going to fill her stocking with???  Of course, the usual items but I wanted handmade.  I've already purchased some other items and this was the most recent.

I asked Meg to make it in my daughter's school colors...green and gold.   I love it and I know my daughter will, too.  Thanks, Meg!

Hope you come back for the final part of this series; to see the remaining two shops and what I purchased.

Here We Go Again...Part 1

It's that time again....I just have to share my wonderful, most recent, handmade purchases and the awesome shops where I purchased them!

In no particular order...the first shop is Tialy's.  Tialy's is a wonderful handmade shop located in France.  There are so many great finds in this shop and I fell in love with my purchase.  Isn't he the cutest little thing???

I have a couple of people (my grandmother being one of them) that is difficult to shop for...what do you get someone who has everything and doesn't want or need anything???  I gave up on gift cards because she'd turn around and give them away!  *sigh*

I  jokingly call this my "trifecta" gift.

1.  My grandmother is from Nova Scotia, Canada and loves ALL things French.
2.  She loves vintage and antique items (especially linens).
3.  She collects owls.

How could I NOT get this adorable critter?  He's even stuffed with wheat and is just heavy enough to sit upright and to even hold a book or two in place.  Thank you, Lynn, for making this one of my best Xmas finds!!!

Now, the second shop is one of my favs and I've purchased everything related to my business from it.  Anne, owns the My Helping Hands graphic design shop.  She continues to impress me and meets (and exceeds) my expectations every time I throw something at her.  LOL

This time I asked her to make Halloween banners and avatars and the same for the holidays.  I'll be ordering my banner to let customers know that I'm at a "show" in the next week or two. 

She has the best prices around and quickly gets your things back to you.

I have so many other purchases...I hope you stop by to see Parts 2 and 3 and all the wonderful shops!

Designed by Audrey

Audrey owns the wonderful, self-named jewelry shop, "Designed by Audrey". 

She has a large selection of rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. 

She also have the CUTEST keychains that we've EVER seen!  There are bookmarks and eyeglass holders as well.

Audrey has a great blog that could use a little love and some more followers...so, please hop on over and visit it.  :o)

You can also follow Audrey, on Twitter, and be among the first to know about new listings, upcoming sales, blog posts, etc.

ArtbySunfire

Carla is the owner of the shop: ArtbySunfire .

She has a WONDERFUL selection of items!!! 

Her notecards are top-notch and beautifully crafted.  She has lots of them available... "Thank You" cards, "Hugs" cards, and lots of miscellaneous cards for every occasion.

Carla also sells the neatest shabby chic jewelry chests...aren't they just AWESOME?  Use for jewelry, to store scrapbook papers, organize your bills, pretty much anything that you can think of to do with one!

This is your one-stop shop for most of your organizational needs!  Get a recipe box for all those recipes that you KNOW you've been meaning to organize and haven't gotten around to it...now's the time with a gorgeous new box. 

Need help with other things?  Grab one of the index organizers (the newest line of items in Carla's shop).  Visit her Artfire blog to see a quick list of ideas of how to make the most of your new organizer.  Brilliant!

Carla also has a couple of jewelry categories that are worth stopping by as well!  Have you seen her Temari balls???  They're fascinating just to READ about their Japanese tradition and are absolutely stunning handcrafted works of art!

So, please show this wonderful shop some blogger love and hope on over to give a it browse...and I bet you'll find something for someone, on your holiday list, and even something for yourself!

And The Winner Is.....

The winner for my October giveaway had been drawn....

Kottage Kreations has won this cute fall mat:

November's prize is posted in the upper, left-hand corner. Ways to enter are listed below the prize picture.

Congrats, Kottage Kreations!

Mad Moravian

Scott owns the "Mad Moravian" Artfire shop.  He creates and sells the most beautiful wooden, stainglass, and chainmaille items around! His pens and keychains are functional, as well as, stylish!

Don't even get us STARTED on his stainglass! One word, alone, couldn't do them justice! Here are just a few that come to mind: STUNNING, EXQUISITE, AMAZING, GORGEOUS, and INCREDIBLE! Tell us what words you think would apply!

To see more of his stainglass items, make sure to visit his shop's gallery! In his gallery you'll see his woodwork and where do we start THERE??? The king-sized cherry bed that he made? Or the tables? How about the bookshelf? You just have to see them for yourself!

Scott also has a large selection of wooden bottle stoppers! The grains in the wood...the variety of shapes...the selection of colors....they're all AMAZING!

I haven't even touched on the chainmaille jewelry and glass charms that Scott also creates! It's refreshing to see chainmaille made with a man's perspective!

You can follow Scott's blog where you can easily see his more recent tweets, shops that he's featured, post about new listings, and posts about his everyday life.

You can follow Scott on Twitter. and be among the first "in the know" about his specials, sales, promotions, etc.

Jewelry by Andrea

If you're looking for some gorgeous, high-quality jewelry then the "Jewelry by Andrea" shop is the place to go.

There you'll find a large assortment of necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Andrea also has keychains/zipper pulls. They're not your run-of-the-mill keychains/pulls either!

Of course, everyone loves a sale and Andrea has a few, select, items listed in her AFSS - Artfire Stilmulus Sale category and it's worth checking out!
While you're at the shop, take a minute to read Andrea's blog.  She has a wonderful article explaining the metal working art of Repousse.  It's a fascinating read.

You can follow Andrea on Twitter and you'll be among the first to know about upcoming sales, events, listings, and promotions.

Don't forget that you still have time to enter our blog giveaway.  The prize is posted, and the sponsoring shop, in the upper, left-hand corner.  Just leave a comment on this post, or any post, to enter the contest.  Enter as many times as you want.

Kottage Kreations

Laurie owns the "Kottage Kreations" jewelry shop on Artfire.  She sells beautifully crafted pieces.

Laurie offers a LIFE-TIME guarantee on all of her jewelry!  How awesome is that???  If you have an item that ever needs to be repaired, she will repair it free of charge.  That is unheard of and what an amazing shop!

Laurie belongs to the Ajdjss Guild and for the month of October, 10% off all her proceeds go towards the guild's "Breast Cancer and Domestic Violence" fund raiser.  So, not only do you get a beautiful piece of jewelry, with an amazing warranty, but you're doing some good as well.  It can't get any better than that!

Follow Laurie on Twitter and Facebook to be among the first to know of new listings, sales, promotions, etc.

She also has a great starter blog and would love to have  more followers...and I know you're all such great bloggers, you'll show her some blogger love and follow her page!

Dragons Threads

The "Dragons Threads" is a speciality shop on Etsy.

Simone, the shop's owner, sells beautiful braided beaded bracelets and awesome mouse pad wrist pillows.

The mouse pillows have soft velvet, on the top, and fun coordinating fabrics on the back.  The bracelets are made in a wide variety of colors and custom orders are always welcome.

Simone has a great blog, though there haven't been any new posts in a while, there are some fascinating posts on making her jewelry and more.

If you're a tweeter, follow her on Twitter, and be among the first to know about new listings, promotions, sales, etc.

Tres Chic Designs

Sharon owns the "Tres Chic Designs" jewelry shop on Artfire.  She sells bracelets, earrings, necklaces, and matching sets.

Sharon is a very sweet person and has spent most of her time (since she opened her shop) promoting other handmade shops.  Such a wonderful thing to do but, unfortunately, she hasn't promoted herself and is still waiting for her first sale on Artfire.  :o(

Sharon continues to take jewelry classes to learn new techniques, meet fellow crafters, and for inspiration.  Sharon offers lay-a-ways and multiple payments as an option if you find something that you just HAVE to have but can't pay for it all at once.  What a wonderful idea!  Sharon understands how things are in this economy and is flexible with the payments and will work something out with you.

She LOVES a challenge, so if you want a particular piece of jewelry and can't find it in her shop just contact her and she'll make it for you.  :o)

So, stop by Tres Chic Designs and be her first sale!!!  Psst...check out the goodies listed in the "One of a Kind Jewelry" section!

You can follow Sharon on Facebook and Twitter to be among the first to find out about sales, promotions, etc.

So, please show the hard-working, creative, and amazing Sharon some love and visit her shop!

Charmed Design 1012

Is it any surprise that the "Charmed Design 1012" shop, on Artfire, sells charm bracelets???

There are pages and pages of wonderful bracelets listed in this shop.  All colors and a wide variety of charms, too.

Bracelets can be customized by size, length, color, theme, charm, etc. just contact the shop with your details.

I had a really fun time trying to pick and choose which bracelets to share with you.  It was actually quite difficult.  If I shared only my favs, you'd be looking at lots of blue bracelets with hearts.  LOL LOL

So, I tried to pick a variety.  It looks like a lot of bracelets are made extra long, so that they can be wrapped around the wrist multiple times or to double as a necklace.  How cool is that?

This is a great shop to start your holiday shopping...I know that I've hotlisted an item, or two, for possible Xmas or birthday gifts!

And The Winner Is.....

The winner has been chosen for September's blog giveaway.  September's winner is....drum roll, please....

Natural Jewelry Design!!!  Congrats to her!

She won one of my Standard Shopping Cart Coupon Organizers (yep...they actually ATTACH to the shopping cart, leaving your hands free for shopping!)

She has a wonderful shop on Artfire and Etsy.  You can also "like" her on Facebook and follow her on Twitter.  I stopped by and read a bit of her blog and high recommend that you check it out, too.

This month's prize is posted in the upper, left-hand, corner and I thought it was PERFECT for November (when it's winner will be announced and it's shipped to its new home).  :o)    There are various ways to enter, and most of the winners are people that have entered numerous times.

My Newest Handmade Purchases

Well...it's that time again....I wanted to share with you my most recent handmade purchases and the wonderful shops that I got them from. 

For those of you that follow my posts, you'll see some repeat shops...I just can't stay away!  But there are a couple of wonderful new ones.

My first shop is the Supply Owl on Etsy.  I started stocking up on tags for my packages and note cards for the Virginia Beach Christmas Market show in November.  I'll be using the mini notecards for customers with larger purchases...I'll probably put some sort of future discount on them; though I haven't quite decided what yet.

The next stop is the Haunted Willow, primitive shop, on Artfire.  There are so many amazing things in this shop.  I bought a couple of the "oops" soaps (listed at a discounted price).  Let me tell you...there is NOTHING wrong with the oops soaps and they look perfectly fine to me (and I'm a perfectionist).  That just goes to show you the kind of quality control that is used in this shop!

And yes, AGAIN, I have "hit", The Monkey Shop, on Etsy.  I just can't STAY away!  I had this kitty custom made for my youngest son and the monkey blankee was on sale...I just couldn't pass it up!  Thinking of setting it on a shelf in my sewing room...it's a gorgeous purple and just too stinkin' CUTE!

I also purchased a bunch of mini notecards at the ArtbySunfire, paper shop, on Artfire.  I'll also be using these for orders and for November's show.  I just love this shop and will be back!

And last, but NOT least, is the My Helping Hands shop, on Artfire.  I have ALL of my banners and avatars made in this shop...I wouldn't dream of going anywhere else!  In my last handmade post, I shared with you the vacation and sale banners that I had custom made for me.

Now that I've opened up my Destash shops on Etsy and Artfire, I needed to have my avatars and banners "tweaked".  So, Anne added the cute little bees to them.  Aren't they cute?

Then I ordered my banner and avatar for the holiday season.  I'll probably put them up closer to the end of October.  Aren't they also great?  You can't beat Anne's prices and she's WONDERFUL to work with!

So, why not show these shops some blogger love and do some of your own handmade shopping?  Let me know what you've bought from these shops....just love them all and love to hear what others purchased.

Written with You in Mind

"Written with You in Mind" is just a FUN shop to browse through!  There are dozens and dozens of poems and phrases in all types of color schemes, layouts, etc.

Sharon is a published poet and she has made her poems, as well as, many popular everyday phrases available for sale in her shop.

There aren't any shipping costs since everything is sent via PDF file.

Print her poems for framing, as letters, postcards...you're pretty much only limited by your imagination!

Most of her poems can be customized to your color schemes.  Want your own pictures, or names, on something instead?  Just let Sharon know and she'll work with you.

If you would like to see a list of publications that Sharon's work have been included in, just visit her Artfire bio page, in her shop.

As always, please click one, or more, of the share buttons before heading over to Sharon's wonderful shop.  Let's see if we can work some blogger love and get more traffic and exposure for her.

Gypsie Travels

The "Gypsie Travels" is a vintage shop where you can find some wonderful treasures!

There are a few brooches that are circa 1950's and 1960's.  Aren't those fish ADORABLE???

There are also a number of postcard books that date back to World War II.  These vintage books are in amazingly good condition!!!

Since the holiday season is fast approaching, I just had to share with you these vintage Santa salt and pepper shakers (circa 1950's).  Aren't they just too CUTE?  What a great addition to any holiday decor or a wonderful gift for the Santa collector in your life!

Please show this little known shop some blogger love by clicking on one, or more, of the share buttons below this post before you head on over to start your shopping!   :o)

Designs by Harriet

If you're looking for exquisite handmade metal, wire, and wire-wrapped jewelry then the "Designs by Harriet" shop is the shop for you!

Harriet studied metalsmithing and wirewrapping and it shows in her stunning pendants and cuffs.

Isn't the craftsmanship amazing?  You really need to visit her shop to see the other beauties that I wasn't able to share with you!

All the pendants come with gold or silver plated chains.  Your pendant will be shipped in an anti-tarnish, cotton lined box.  All packages are shipped via Fed Ex.

What a great shop to get your next birthday, anniversary, holiday, and Christmas gift!!!  Heck, why not get something for yourself...you deserve a nice treat!  ;O)

Cusp Designs

Oooohhhh...do I LOVE the Cusp Designs shop on Artfire!!!

There are dozens of gorgeous photos alone!!!  I had a very difficult time choosing which two to share with you!  I finally opted for ones that had my favorite colors in them.  LOL

There are also handmade, drawn, cards that are just SOOO cute!  Do you see that little girl???  And what about those owls?  These are only just 2, that I've shared with you!

Then there is the origami and paper art!  I've mentioned before how envious I am of those that can draw and paint.  Well, add origiami to that list....can you believe that those earrings are made from paper?  The box is exquisite, too!

You can also find some super cute hair accessories...these would make great stocking stuffers and party favors.

Cusp Designs has a great blog and can be found on Facebook.  Great places to learn what's new, upcoming, sales, promotions, giveaways, and more!

Let's show this little known shop some blogger love...click one of the share buttons before you head over to start  your shopping!