Back on The Wagon....

I've sorely neglected my blog the past couple of years.  Life has a way of getting in the way of things!  LOL

I've recently ramped up the number of handmade groups that I belong to, on Facebook, and see the same thing over and over again... desperate, wonderful, talented sellers with little to no online exposure.

So, I thought I'd help out what little bit that I can and have decided to restart my blog and promote my fellow handmade-kin again.

So, every Saturday (or as regular as I possibly can...come August, I will be in holiday inventory mode and probably won't have time to breathe nontheless BLOG!) I will share one to two unknown discovered crafters and artisans.

I came across both of these wonderful ladies, in a group, just this morning!

The first is Deby Sier of:

Sier DreamS

Deby sells quite an assortment of fine hand-crafted jewelry.  One of my favorite pieces is the Suncharm Necklace ... it does exactly that...catches the rays from the sun and is absolutely charming!

You should also take a look at the assortment of dream catchers available.  I had a difficult time choosing a favorite but did manage to finally narrow it down to this Butterfly one.

The other wonderful artisan is Nicole Mallecoccio of:

Made with the Kids

Nicole makes aprons, hair accessories, jewelry and much more!

If I had a little one, I would definately be browsing the flower headbands!  How cute is this one:

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It would go great with just about all of your daughter's outfits!

And OMG, look at this ADORABLE scarf, mittens, and hat set!!!  

I have had a great time browsing both of these shops and I hope that you'll hope on over and take a look for yourselves.  Make sure that you like their Facebook pages and follow them on Twitter.  

My Newest Upton MLB Quilt

Six years ago, I was commissioned to make a custom quilt for Yvonne Upton.  Both of Yvonne's sons play in the MLB (Major League Baseball).  At the time, the oldest son, BJ, played for the Tampa Bay Rays and the youngest, Justin, played for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Yvonne wanted each team's logo, both sons' names, and her name appliqued onto the quilt.  She wanted only each team's colors to be used and she liked fancy/curly-q letters.

This is the quilt that I created for her back then (please ignore the washed out look to the photo...I have been unable to find the original jpg of the picture):

Over the years, I've made almost 15 different quilts for Yvonne...in a variety of themes and colors.  Mainly gifts for family, friends, her grandson (BJ's son), and each of the boys' girlfriends.

Earlier this year, BJ signed with the Atlanta Braves as a free agent.  Within a few weeks, his brother, Justin, was traded to the Braves.  I knew I would be hearing from Yvonne about making her a new quilt with the new team logo and colors.  And I did.  She also ordered a toddler quilt for a friend's son.

The names and team logo were created from fabric (for those of you who aren't familiar with the term "applique").  The quilts were machine quilted by a local award winning long-armer.

 Here is Yvonne's newest quilt:

My first team quilt was mentioned in an article, for USA Today Sports Edition by Seth Livingstone, in an interview that he did with Yvonne.  I wonder if this quilt will make it into any interviews.  :)

Coupons, Coupons, Coupons!

Just about everyone, these days, is trying to save money anyway that they can.

A customer, a couple of years ago, asked me to design a coupon organizer for her that she would be able to attach to her shopping cart.

After playing with a couple of different designs, I finally found one that I liked.

My coupon organizers close with an elastic and button.  Using the same items, you can attach the organizer to your shopping cart.  Leaving your hands free for shopping!

I added a pocket to the front, so that you can store your discount cards and/or money.  I also added a small elastic loop to hold a pen.

10 mini dividers and 2 sheets of labels are also included with each organizer (10 blanks on the labels sheet, so that you can customize them to your needs).

 






I have a large selection of coupon organizers available in my Etsy shop or my Artfire shop.  I offer free shipping (continental US only).  International customers, I do refund any shipping over-charges and I never charge a handling fee.

I also have them available in NFL fabrics.  I have all teams available.

If you live in the Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads area, or will be visiting then stop by my new shop located in the heart of Kemspville...minutes from the 64/264 Interchange.

5310 Providence Road

Virginia Beach VA  23464

We are near the intersection of Providence Road and Lord Dunmore.  2 shops left of Madison Jewelers.

Visit our website to see pics of our shop and more!

VaBeachQuilter Brick & Mortar is Now Open!

VaBeachQuilter is Now Open!

We have finally opened a brick and mortar shop!  We are having a grand opening sale.

We also have a drawing to win a $25 gift certificate.  No purchase necessary.  Winner will be announced on May 1st.

You can participate in the sale, at my online shops, by using coupon:  GRANDOPENING to receive 15% off your total purchase.  As always, free shipping (continental U.S. only).

My Etsy shop:  VaBeachQuilter and my Artfire shop:  VaBeachQuilter

If you would like to be entered into the drawing, just leave a comment (make sure that I have a way to contact you, if you win).  You can also tweet this post and add the hash tag #vabeachquilter or share on Facebook.

Here are a few pictures of the shop:

Lots of NFL Items

Just a few of the quilts for sale.

Lots of Microwave Bags & Mitts

Lots of goodies!

Rag totes, table runners, snappy pouches!

If you live in the Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads area, or will be vacationing here then make sure you pop on by and say "hi"!

VaBeachQuilter

5310 Providence Road

Virginia Beach VA  23464

Shop Hours:

Monday - Friday  10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday  10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Sundays

We have a new website up and running...so, pop on by to take a peek.  VaBeachQuilter Website

Diamond in the Rough Contest

Vote for this week's handmade shop! Etsy and Artfire shops featured!

Wanna be included in a future contest? Email me, via my website (click link), and tell me your shop or site name and I'll add you to my list. Handmade and vintage shops welcomed.

VaBeachQuilter - Diamond-Rough

VaBeachQuilter---Deal-of-the-Week

New Deal is now posted! 20% off & ships FREE! Get it while it's available!

VaBeachQuilter---Deal-of-the-Week

VaBeachQuilter - Diamond-Rough

Still time to vote for your fav handmade shop!!!

VaBeachQuilter - Diamond-Rough

Wanted to be put on the list, if you're a handmade or vintage shop, for upcoming contests? Contact me via my website with your shop/site link and I'll add you to it.

Doesn't matter where your sell, even if it's your own site, just have to be handmade and/or vintage.

Winner gets a free ad, for a week, on my website. Page of their choice. Also a full feature on my site's blog the following week.

Great time to start getting more exposure now that the holiday season is quickly approaching!

VaBeachQuilter - Diamond-Rough

This week's handmade contest "Diamond in the Rough" contest is up.

Vote for your fav shop!

Winner gets an ad spot, for a week, on my website. They also get a full feature on my blog.

If you are a handmade artisan, or a vintage shop, contact me via my website to be put on the future contestant list. Do NOT contact me HERE, please.

You can sell on any venue, or have your own website, doesn't matter.

VaBeachQuilter - Diamond-Rough

Diamond in the Rough Contest Week 9/11

Vote in this week's contest for your fav handmade or vintage shop!

VaBeachQuilter - Diamond-Rough

Winner gets a free ad spot, for a week, and a blog feature.

Are you a handmade, or vintage, shop and want to be added to my list of future contestants? Contact me via my website and I'll add you to my list.

Contest ends 9/18 in the a.m.

VaBeachQuilter---Deal-of-the-Week

Check out this week's deal! Can only be found here: VaBeachQuilter---Deal-of-the-Week

Great discount + FREE shipping! Can't be beat!

Ends Wed, 9/14, a.m. Only one available!

VaBeachQuilter---Deal-of-the-Week

Check out this week's deal! Can only be found here: VaBeachQuilter---Deal-of-the-Week

Great discount + FREE shipping! Can't be beat!

Ends Wed, 9/14, a.m. Only one available!

Share the Love - Bloggers Unite

This Weeks Featured Artisan is Vaudeville Gypsy. Truly Unique Creations to tickle your fancy! You can find Vaudeville Gypsy on:

Etsy

Artfire

Facebook

Blog

Signs of Elegance

Signs of Elegance is just that! A shop filled with all types of word art signs for all occasions and decors.

Susan has signs for just about anything that you could imagine!  And if she doesn't have it, she can make it for you.

How cool is that wedding sign?  Or the one for your fav football team?  Sometimes just a single word can say volumes!

All of the signs are painted onto pine board (no vinyl lettering) and finished with a sawtooth hanger.  Ready to display.  She doesn't usually 'distress' her signs to make them appear older/vintage (but can do so upon request).  Susan also doesn't try to correct natural wood markings, knots etc. because she feels that those marks gives her signs character.

Here are just a couple of the categories available for browsing, but make sure you visit the shop to see all available listings!

~ personalized
~ Christmas
~ Family and House Rules
~ Wedding
~ Sports

"Like" her Facebook page and follow her on Twitter, so you'll always be among the first to know about new listings, upcoming sales, promos, etc.