Showing posts with label Artfire. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Artfire. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Curated Collection on ArtFire by Casual Day Designs
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Tuesday Shopping Showcase for August 2, 2011
The Tuesday Shopping Showcase blog is back! I took a little break for part of June and July while I vacationed and hosted visitors traveling to my neck of the woods, but it's time to get back into the shopping spirit (only 144 days left til Christmas!).
As creator and designer of Casual Day Designs - jewelry for your jeans, one of my self-appointed business goals is to promote fellow artists I'm getting to know on ArtFire. I will continue to be introducing you to some amazing artisans who sell their handmade items in an online global marketplace. I will select three ArtFire studios to feature every Tuesday-- so here we go...
From my Christian Friends on ArtFire guild, I am honored to highlight the following studios:
Islands of Time Fine Arts & Crafts by S L Waldon
Kathy's Jewels
TEJA Kids Kid Inspired...Mom and Dad Desired!
There is so much more to the Islands of Time ArtFire Studio than artwork. Based in Florida, this talented, passionate artist is inspiring and has a zest for life that is evident in her quotes and bio as well as her designs. Check out her unique designer toys, original art, and one of a kind bookmarks--there is something for everyone!
Located in Ohio, Kathy's love of crafting has evolved over the years giving her that experienced edge of knowledge about people's interests in terms of needs and wants as they go through the various stages of life. Kathy's Jewels jewelry is both unique and affordably priced. Her dragonfly earrings remind me of summer, and her golden fairy earrings take me back to a time of innocence.
Elizabeth of Minnesota is TEJA and has something for every baby in your family!! Her creations are practical as well beautiful!! From sleep sacks and burp cloths to crocheted hats and infant car seat covers, babies are riding in style in something from TEJA Kids!! If you have babies and baby showers to buy for this summer, look no further!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of my Tuesday Shopping Showcase! Stop in again next Tuesday when I will feature three more talented artisan's studios! Happy Shopping!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop in My ArtFire Store
As creator and designer of Casual Day Designs - jewelry for your jeans, one of my self-appointed business goals is to promote fellow artists I'm getting to know on ArtFire. I will continue to be introducing you to some amazing artisans who sell their handmade items in an online global marketplace. I will select three ArtFire studios to feature every Tuesday-- so here we go...
From my Christian Friends on ArtFire guild, I am honored to highlight the following studios:
Islands of Time Fine Arts & Crafts by S L Waldon
Kathy's Jewels
TEJA Kids Kid Inspired...Mom and Dad Desired!
There is so much more to the Islands of Time ArtFire Studio than artwork. Based in Florida, this talented, passionate artist is inspiring and has a zest for life that is evident in her quotes and bio as well as her designs. Check out her unique designer toys, original art, and one of a kind bookmarks--there is something for everyone!
Located in Ohio, Kathy's love of crafting has evolved over the years giving her that experienced edge of knowledge about people's interests in terms of needs and wants as they go through the various stages of life. Kathy's Jewels jewelry is both unique and affordably priced. Her dragonfly earrings remind me of summer, and her golden fairy earrings take me back to a time of innocence.
Elizabeth of Minnesota is TEJA and has something for every baby in your family!! Her creations are practical as well beautiful!! From sleep sacks and burp cloths to crocheted hats and infant car seat covers, babies are riding in style in something from TEJA Kids!! If you have babies and baby showers to buy for this summer, look no further!
I hope you enjoyed this edition of my Tuesday Shopping Showcase! Stop in again next Tuesday when I will feature three more talented artisan's studios! Happy Shopping!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop in My ArtFire Store
Monday, August 1, 2011
Curated Collection of Handmade Wedding Designs
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Tuesday Shopping Showcase for June 7, 2011
Welcome to another edition of my Tuesday Shopping Showcase blog! I'm your host, Deb, creator of Casual Day Designs - jewelry for your jeans, and I'll be taking you on a trip down ArtFire lane introducing you to some amazing artisans who sell their handmade items in an online global marketplace. Every Tuesday I randomly select three ArtFire studios to feature -- so here we go...
Next week is our county fair already! It comes so early after the end of school there's hardly time to work on projects much before the week prior to the fair. My daughter and I are busy with clothing selection exhibits, goal sheets, and photography entries. Photography projects are so much easier to procrastinate now with the invention of the digital camera and the instant images that can be produced down at the local drugstore kiosk--no waiting for film to be developed and then waiting again for enlargements to be made!!
With the invention of ArtFire, you no longer have to travel to specialty stores to find the camera accessories and photo props you need either!! Picture this--ArtFire artists can set you up with some great products for all your photography needs. Camera straps, bags, and unique items for taking pictures of children just to name a few can all be found on ArtFire!
Karen from Colorado combines her love of fabric with her design and sewing skills, acquired from 20 plus years in manufacturing outdoor gear to create her own line of products. One of her unique handmade items is a padded small digital camera bag that she sells from her ArtFire Studio, Zoe's Bag Boutique.
The Sweet Strap, an Artisan Studio out of Connecticut, has a wide variety of camera strap slipcovers and dSLR camera straps for every photographer's personal flair.
Shutter Buddies has a great idea to make the photographer's job simpler. Here is a description of one of her items straight from her ArtFire Studio:
"Having trouble getting the wild ones to look and smile at the camera? Look no further, here is your solution! Every one of my large Shutter Buddies is entirely hand made and all include a squeaker inside the material to make the attention catching noise necessary for your little ones to look at the camera with a big smile. The squeakers can be moved around the inside of Shutter Buddies for your convenience to work for both right-hand shooters and lefties. I use only high quality materials and hand embroider everything. It is made to last and is sprayed with a stain protection guard to prevent from getting dirty easily and is treated with anti-fray ointment. You will find shooting photos of kids is far easier and exciting, as they will look right at the camera interested in the funny faces and animals surrounding your lens. Squeak away with the squeaker inside for extra attention grabbing when needed..."
You have to see one of these camera prop Shutter Buddies for yourself--they are adorable!!
Have fun shopping, and I'll see you at the fair!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop in My ArtFire Store
Next week is our county fair already! It comes so early after the end of school there's hardly time to work on projects much before the week prior to the fair. My daughter and I are busy with clothing selection exhibits, goal sheets, and photography entries. Photography projects are so much easier to procrastinate now with the invention of the digital camera and the instant images that can be produced down at the local drugstore kiosk--no waiting for film to be developed and then waiting again for enlargements to be made!!
With the invention of ArtFire, you no longer have to travel to specialty stores to find the camera accessories and photo props you need either!! Picture this--ArtFire artists can set you up with some great products for all your photography needs. Camera straps, bags, and unique items for taking pictures of children just to name a few can all be found on ArtFire!
Karen from Colorado combines her love of fabric with her design and sewing skills, acquired from 20 plus years in manufacturing outdoor gear to create her own line of products. One of her unique handmade items is a padded small digital camera bag that she sells from her ArtFire Studio, Zoe's Bag Boutique.
The Sweet Strap, an Artisan Studio out of Connecticut, has a wide variety of camera strap slipcovers and dSLR camera straps for every photographer's personal flair.
Shutter Buddies has a great idea to make the photographer's job simpler. Here is a description of one of her items straight from her ArtFire Studio:
"Having trouble getting the wild ones to look and smile at the camera? Look no further, here is your solution! Every one of my large Shutter Buddies is entirely hand made and all include a squeaker inside the material to make the attention catching noise necessary for your little ones to look at the camera with a big smile. The squeakers can be moved around the inside of Shutter Buddies for your convenience to work for both right-hand shooters and lefties. I use only high quality materials and hand embroider everything. It is made to last and is sprayed with a stain protection guard to prevent from getting dirty easily and is treated with anti-fray ointment. You will find shooting photos of kids is far easier and exciting, as they will look right at the camera interested in the funny faces and animals surrounding your lens. Squeak away with the squeaker inside for extra attention grabbing when needed..."
You have to see one of these camera prop Shutter Buddies for yourself--they are adorable!!
Have fun shopping, and I'll see you at the fair!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop in My ArtFire Store
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Tuesday Shopping Showcase for May 31, 2011
I know...it's practically a Wednesday Shopping Showcase :) but, I'm just now getting a chance to sit down and blog. Hope everyone had an enjoyable Memorial Day holiday weekend. Spending quality time with family and attending some graduation receptions were on my agenda for the weekend, so trying to get caught up today. My Tuesday Shopping Showcase blog where I feature three ArtFire Studios has become quite a hit--it's my own way of "pouncing" some great artisans!! So as not to disappoint, get ready to learn about some amazing artists...
Next on the calendar, of course, is Father's Day coming up Sunday, June 19. I've been browsing the ArtFire member's shops for some unique gifts for dad. What do you get the dad that has everything (or goes out and buys it for himself even if a birthday or holiday is approaching...you know the dads I'm talking about!!)?
Irwin of Mapleseed Gallery out of Ontario Canada makes some exquisite hand-turned functional and artistic woodcraft. Check out his designer pens, wine bottle stoppers, and pepper mills sure to please the man who's a father in your life who has everything already.
A mens necklace with white puka shell and amethyst would be a perfect summertime accessory for the new daddy this father's day. Handmade by CC Creations, a husband and wife studio that designs and creates affordable beaded jewelry and accessories, this is a gift item that won't break the bank.
For some unique, bold and practical gift ideas, the studio to go to is Aspie Craft. This artist out of Idaho who lets "Aspergian sensibilities mingle with cottage industry" offers cufflinks, pins, notebooks, and journals just to name a few items that will fit the bill for any Father's Day gift giving ideas.
I hope you have enjoyed this shopping showcase as much as I enjoy getting to know my fellow ArtFire community members through the writing of this blog. Now get out there and click on these links to get your gifts for Dad ordered in time to get them back before the 19th!!
Tune in again next Tuesday for more shopping insights, and don't forget that shopping on ArtFire is a breeze with most artists accepting PayPal.
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop in My ArtFire Store
Next on the calendar, of course, is Father's Day coming up Sunday, June 19. I've been browsing the ArtFire member's shops for some unique gifts for dad. What do you get the dad that has everything (or goes out and buys it for himself even if a birthday or holiday is approaching...you know the dads I'm talking about!!)?
Irwin of Mapleseed Gallery out of Ontario Canada makes some exquisite hand-turned functional and artistic woodcraft. Check out his designer pens, wine bottle stoppers, and pepper mills sure to please the man who's a father in your life who has everything already.
A mens necklace with white puka shell and amethyst would be a perfect summertime accessory for the new daddy this father's day. Handmade by CC Creations, a husband and wife studio that designs and creates affordable beaded jewelry and accessories, this is a gift item that won't break the bank.
For some unique, bold and practical gift ideas, the studio to go to is Aspie Craft. This artist out of Idaho who lets "Aspergian sensibilities mingle with cottage industry" offers cufflinks, pins, notebooks, and journals just to name a few items that will fit the bill for any Father's Day gift giving ideas.
I hope you have enjoyed this shopping showcase as much as I enjoy getting to know my fellow ArtFire community members through the writing of this blog. Now get out there and click on these links to get your gifts for Dad ordered in time to get them back before the 19th!!
Tune in again next Tuesday for more shopping insights, and don't forget that shopping on ArtFire is a breeze with most artists accepting PayPal.
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop in My ArtFire Store
Friday, May 27, 2011
Customer Service...Add the Respect, Hold the Attitude
"You are what you repeatedly do. Excellence is not an event--it is a habit."
Aristotle
I remember my first job as a teen like it was yesterday. My boss instilled that now foreign concept that the customer is always right. It was drilled into my head that no matter what I had going on in my personal life, I was to leave it at the door and focus on the customer's needs and making sure they were completely satisfied with the service. Apparently this mentality rarely exists in the workplace today.
On a recent shopping trip to a local discount store, I became increasingly frustrated and irate at the service--or lack thereof. The less than enthused clerk finally made her way to the front where I was not so patiently waiting to pay for my items. When she emerged from supposedly stocking shelves somewhere, she was deep in conversation on her cell phone. She did not even acknowledge my presence as she began to scan my items. Continuing to drone on to the very important person on her mobile, I had to look at the register screen to see my total instead of her telling me. I handed her some bills without any words. She finally told the recipient of her phone conversation to wait a second while she counted back my change. I apologized for interrupting her phone call and retreated to the door grumbling and vowing to never shop there again.
On a separate shopping excursion with my sister the other day, the individual checking us out, while not on the phone, made no attempt at eye contact or conversation as he keyed in our purchases amidst labored breathing. As we left the store, my sister turned to me and said, "Well...he had the personality of a snowpea."
In today's economy, you would think businesses would train their employees to go out of their way to be cheerful and make the customers feel like they've been treated with the utmost respect. Instead, the notion of good customer service has become a lost art, which in turn increases my desire to want to shop from the comfort of home on the Internet.
Currently, I am not only a seller on ArtFire (my favorite online marketplace), but I am a buyer as well!! My favorite part of shopping on ArtFire (besides the wonderful handmade products) is the customer service. The extra mile that the ArtFire members go to ensure a pleasant shopping experience is nothing less than first class! From the initial contact and various email correspondence to the unique and personalized packaging and sometimes free samples of the artist's other products, I look forward with great delight to every order and subsequently anticipating arrival of the purchase. Not only that, but I can guarantee they will get my repeat business!!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop in My ArtFire Store
Aristotle
I remember my first job as a teen like it was yesterday. My boss instilled that now foreign concept that the customer is always right. It was drilled into my head that no matter what I had going on in my personal life, I was to leave it at the door and focus on the customer's needs and making sure they were completely satisfied with the service. Apparently this mentality rarely exists in the workplace today.
On a recent shopping trip to a local discount store, I became increasingly frustrated and irate at the service--or lack thereof. The less than enthused clerk finally made her way to the front where I was not so patiently waiting to pay for my items. When she emerged from supposedly stocking shelves somewhere, she was deep in conversation on her cell phone. She did not even acknowledge my presence as she began to scan my items. Continuing to drone on to the very important person on her mobile, I had to look at the register screen to see my total instead of her telling me. I handed her some bills without any words. She finally told the recipient of her phone conversation to wait a second while she counted back my change. I apologized for interrupting her phone call and retreated to the door grumbling and vowing to never shop there again.
On a separate shopping excursion with my sister the other day, the individual checking us out, while not on the phone, made no attempt at eye contact or conversation as he keyed in our purchases amidst labored breathing. As we left the store, my sister turned to me and said, "Well...he had the personality of a snowpea."
In today's economy, you would think businesses would train their employees to go out of their way to be cheerful and make the customers feel like they've been treated with the utmost respect. Instead, the notion of good customer service has become a lost art, which in turn increases my desire to want to shop from the comfort of home on the Internet.
Currently, I am not only a seller on ArtFire (my favorite online marketplace), but I am a buyer as well!! My favorite part of shopping on ArtFire (besides the wonderful handmade products) is the customer service. The extra mile that the ArtFire members go to ensure a pleasant shopping experience is nothing less than first class! From the initial contact and various email correspondence to the unique and personalized packaging and sometimes free samples of the artist's other products, I look forward with great delight to every order and subsequently anticipating arrival of the purchase. Not only that, but I can guarantee they will get my repeat business!!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop in My ArtFire Store
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tuesday Shopping Showcase for May 24, 2011; AND The Five Things I Like Best About Selling on ArtFire
I am a relatively new seller on ArtFire, but when asked what five things I like best about selling on ArtFire, I don't have to be a seasoned professional to come up with a list!!
First and foremost is that ArtFire is not only user friendly, but just plain friendly, and certainly not lacking in the assistance department! From the ArtFire Help Center, Member Services, and Community Forums, to the Mentors and Mavens, I haven't found a question that can't be answered to my satisfaction! Everyone is very willing to share their expertise and experiences.
Secondly, but probably even more important is that ArtFire takes the guesswork out of getting the handmade items in my studio noticed. Through vigilant monitoring of the latest Search Engine Optimization, ArtFire shows me how to be among the first listings in Google's Shopping results for maximum exposure.
With no seller fees and a minimal monthly subscription price, my third favorite feature about ArtFire is obviously the affordability.
My fourth favorite thing about selling on ArtFire is the unexpected perks and benefits. For instance the Referral Program is a great way for those contemplating selling in an online marketplace environment to give ArtFire a try for three months for the price of two!! My Referral Link provides further details!! The Collection-of-the-Day Email and the Blog-Your-Referral-Link contests offer chances to win gift certificates to be spent in the ArtFire Pro Studio of the winner's choice.
Last but not least is the ease of setting up and maintaining a studio. Listing new items and making changes are simplified with the Global Editor feature. It's virtually impossible to list an item incorrectly with the step-by-step guided process.
I have met some wonderful artisans on ArtFire and continue to network and connect with more each day. My own idea of featuring three random ArtFire Studios in my weekly blog entitled Tuesday Shopping Showcase has afforded me the opportunity to introduce some amazing artists from all over the globe to my blog followers. This week is no different. I hope you will check out these ArtFire member studios and shop handmade...
Peggi from Arizona has two ArtFire studios: Pink Clouds & Angels and Pinks Pleasures. Jewelry, soaps, and hand-crocheted items are her passions.
Charlotte from Oklahoma has Kallie Jo's Cotton Patch. She loves to craft...several of her creations can be used in the kitchen!!
Thanks for checking out my blog today!! I hope you'll become a follower and stop in again soon!!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
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First and foremost is that ArtFire is not only user friendly, but just plain friendly, and certainly not lacking in the assistance department! From the ArtFire Help Center, Member Services, and Community Forums, to the Mentors and Mavens, I haven't found a question that can't be answered to my satisfaction! Everyone is very willing to share their expertise and experiences.
Secondly, but probably even more important is that ArtFire takes the guesswork out of getting the handmade items in my studio noticed. Through vigilant monitoring of the latest Search Engine Optimization, ArtFire shows me how to be among the first listings in Google's Shopping results for maximum exposure.
With no seller fees and a minimal monthly subscription price, my third favorite feature about ArtFire is obviously the affordability.
My fourth favorite thing about selling on ArtFire is the unexpected perks and benefits. For instance the Referral Program is a great way for those contemplating selling in an online marketplace environment to give ArtFire a try for three months for the price of two!! My Referral Link provides further details!! The Collection-of-the-Day Email and the Blog-Your-Referral-Link contests offer chances to win gift certificates to be spent in the ArtFire Pro Studio of the winner's choice.
Last but not least is the ease of setting up and maintaining a studio. Listing new items and making changes are simplified with the Global Editor feature. It's virtually impossible to list an item incorrectly with the step-by-step guided process.
I have met some wonderful artisans on ArtFire and continue to network and connect with more each day. My own idea of featuring three random ArtFire Studios in my weekly blog entitled Tuesday Shopping Showcase has afforded me the opportunity to introduce some amazing artists from all over the globe to my blog followers. This week is no different. I hope you will check out these ArtFire member studios and shop handmade...
Peggi from Arizona has two ArtFire studios: Pink Clouds & Angels and Pinks Pleasures. Jewelry, soaps, and hand-crocheted items are her passions.
Charlotte from Oklahoma has Kallie Jo's Cotton Patch. She loves to craft...several of her creations can be used in the kitchen!!
Thanks for checking out my blog today!! I hope you'll become a follower and stop in again soon!!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Monday, May 23, 2011
My Creation Monday - May 23, 2011
An alternate headline for today's blog could read..."Local sales over the weekend cause inventory reduction."
Three of my unique designs went to a great home this past Sunday! The recipient of my Salvation bracelet and a matching necklace and earrings set is employed at a university. Every Friday is casual day where they allow the wearing of jeans in the office. Pam is really looking forward to showing off her new denim matching accessories on Casual Day Friday.
Guess I better close this blog and get down to beading to get some new pieces added to my Casual Day Designs ArtFire store!!!
Check out tomorrow's blog for three other ArtFire Stores to be featured in my Tuesday Shopping Showcase.
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Tuesday Shopping Showcase for May 17, 2011
The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the weather forecast actually has temperatures predicted in the mid 60's for the rest of the week!! I have been waiting so long for warmer temperatures--it just seems like we had an incredibly long winter this year!
With summer definitely on the horizon, I thought today's shopping showcase should clue you in on where to shop for some unique hot weather necessities. Earlier this week, I curated a collection of items using only artists from a guild I belong to called Christian Friends on ArtFire. I want to continue to promote this great group of artisans here by featuring three more shops that were not highlighted in this collection.
I don't know how our guildmaster, Melana, finds time to do any crafting with all the time she spends "tending to her flock" in our guild forums. She is an absolute inspiration and supports all of us with her prayers and encouragement. Be sure to check out her bio when you visit her studio, By Nanas Hands. Anyone going on vacation this summer will appreciate having an eReader cover made by Melana--perfect for the beach and poolside, and so many people are opting for eReaders on vacation in lieu of packing several books for the trip. The great thing about this cover is that it is not just a pouch, but a full-size cover that opens like a book.
Even though I prefer the hot and steamy season over the frigid, arctic cold of winter, that does make for excessive sweating sometimes and more frequent showering--I know...TMI!! However, Naked Soap has just what everyone needs for a refreshing cleansing--handmade soaps, sugar scrubs, and bath salts. All their products are made from scratch (never a base) in their smoke-free home, and 15% of all their profits are donated to charity!
After bathing and smelling like a cool tropical waterfall, you will want to grab your covered eReader and an iced beverage and head out to the patio to relax in the evening sun. But wait!!! You know that beverage glass is going to sweat!! So that brings me to my last item on the summer necessity shopping list--coasters!! Joy, from Texas, who is also a fellow guild member of Christian Friends on ArtFire, uses a hand stamping technique to create one-of-a-kind handmade tile coasters that you can find in her daytonmarie ArtFire studio. Joy began her hand stamping adventure during the preparation of her wedding to create her reception napkins and she continues this hobby as a way of sharing with others.
I hope you enjoyed today's shopping showcase for summer, and I welcome your comments and feedback. Until next time...what's in your wallet?
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
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With summer definitely on the horizon, I thought today's shopping showcase should clue you in on where to shop for some unique hot weather necessities. Earlier this week, I curated a collection of items using only artists from a guild I belong to called Christian Friends on ArtFire. I want to continue to promote this great group of artisans here by featuring three more shops that were not highlighted in this collection.
I don't know how our guildmaster, Melana, finds time to do any crafting with all the time she spends "tending to her flock" in our guild forums. She is an absolute inspiration and supports all of us with her prayers and encouragement. Be sure to check out her bio when you visit her studio, By Nanas Hands. Anyone going on vacation this summer will appreciate having an eReader cover made by Melana--perfect for the beach and poolside, and so many people are opting for eReaders on vacation in lieu of packing several books for the trip. The great thing about this cover is that it is not just a pouch, but a full-size cover that opens like a book.
Even though I prefer the hot and steamy season over the frigid, arctic cold of winter, that does make for excessive sweating sometimes and more frequent showering--I know...TMI!! However, Naked Soap has just what everyone needs for a refreshing cleansing--handmade soaps, sugar scrubs, and bath salts. All their products are made from scratch (never a base) in their smoke-free home, and 15% of all their profits are donated to charity!
After bathing and smelling like a cool tropical waterfall, you will want to grab your covered eReader and an iced beverage and head out to the patio to relax in the evening sun. But wait!!! You know that beverage glass is going to sweat!! So that brings me to my last item on the summer necessity shopping list--coasters!! Joy, from Texas, who is also a fellow guild member of Christian Friends on ArtFire, uses a hand stamping technique to create one-of-a-kind handmade tile coasters that you can find in her daytonmarie ArtFire studio. Joy began her hand stamping adventure during the preparation of her wedding to create her reception napkins and she continues this hobby as a way of sharing with others.
I hope you enjoyed today's shopping showcase for summer, and I welcome your comments and feedback. Until next time...what's in your wallet?
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Monday, May 16, 2011
My Creation Monday - May 16, 2011
Northfield, Minnesota was my destination location last Saturday for a day of relaxing and rejuvenating. I met a friend I hadn't seen in nearly a year, and we had power shopping on our agenda in addition to catching up and lunch. We were looking forward to enjoying the river walk and leisurely strolling through historic downtown, but the rainy, 44 degree weather kept us inside most of the time. That definitely was not a bad thing, however, as the art galleries and specialty shops along Division Street inspired and delighted our creative side. There's something about the diversity and target market displays in a college community that is fresh and exciting!
Among our favorite shops was a bead store called Glass Garden Beads. We had just missed out on a Kumihimo class, but could've spent hours browsing the amazing selection of beads and findings and still not seen it all!! (For an example of Kumihimo, check out the designs of this fellow ArtFire member's studio, "I'm Worth It" Jewelry Design.)
My friend and I decided we are definitely making this bead shop a regular stop, and you know I didn't walk out of their empty handed!! I picked up some gorgeous stones in pink, lavender, and iridescent that I can visualize using with my latest idea for a necklace incorporating the Tsunami Kanzashi fabric flower technique I've been learning from a great how-to craft tutorial.
Also on tap for My Creation Monday today is getting a key fob finished up and strung and adding the clasp to my latest necklace which includes some of the yellow denim beads I made last week.
Lots to do today, so I need to finish up this blog so I can get busy!! Check out my Casual Day Designs ArtFire Studio for all my creations, and tune in tomorrow for my Tuesday Shopping Showcase!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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Friday, May 13, 2011
If You Can’t Craft, Be Crafty…
One man’s junk is another man’s treasure. That is something I’ve heard many times over the years. In fact, I lived in a town where there was an actual consignment store with the name: One Man’s Junk. But the term “destash” is new to me. Destashing, as I’m learning, refers to possessions that you no longer want or need and are eliminating from your collection. In other words, my personal “stash” of craft supplies includes some items I have determined I will never use or no longer want and in order to thin out my stash, I could de-stash! That’s brilliant!! It’s like calling a rummage sale a gourmet buffet! Does fancying up the name of getting rid of our trash make it somehow more glamourous??
I checked out the number of results that are returned for a search of “destash” on a few online marketplaces and found out the following about all the unused yarn, beads, and sewing notions we have laying around: ArtFire has 5,575 listings with the term or tag of destash, Etsy has 6,224 listings, and even eBay sellers are into destashing with 55 listings. Pricing for these items (shipping not included) ranges from a nickel to over $700!
Are you someone that purchases a destashed stash just to stash some and destash the rest??
Happy Free-For-All Friday the 13th!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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I checked out the number of results that are returned for a search of “destash” on a few online marketplaces and found out the following about all the unused yarn, beads, and sewing notions we have laying around: ArtFire has 5,575 listings with the term or tag of destash, Etsy has 6,224 listings, and even eBay sellers are into destashing with 55 listings. Pricing for these items (shipping not included) ranges from a nickel to over $700!
Are you someone that purchases a destashed stash just to stash some and destash the rest??
Happy Free-For-All Friday the 13th!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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Monday, May 9, 2011
My Creation Monday - May 9, 2011
I am super relaxed from a delightful Mother's Day yesterday!! Hope everyone had a great day being treated like a queen or honoring a special mom!
It's My Creation Monday here for Casual Day Designs where I share what's going on in my own studio...I hope to be quite productive today as the sky is dark with the threat of approaching thunderstorms which means I can't be outside in the garden.
Hobby Lobby got some of my business this weekend in anticipation of my creative juices flowing!! Bezel pendants for key fobs, and Beadalon, shell beads, and metal beads were also on my supply list. I have some great inspiration and am anxious to get some key fobs added to the inventory in my Casual Day Designs ArtFire store.
On my beading tray is a multi-strand necklace incorporating some of my coated blue denim beads and some African Blue Lace Agate beads. I will be stringing that and getting it photographed for listing later in the week.
Also on my agenda today is finishing up my application for ArtFire's Certified Handmade Artifact stamp of approval. That should keep me plenty busy today!!
Happy creating everyone!! Tune in tomorrow for my exclusive Tuesday Shopping Showcase where I will feature three amazing artists's works from their ArtFire Stores!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Tuesday Shopping Showcase for May 2, 2011
Welcome to another segment of Casual Day Designs ArtFire Featured Artists. For the shopping showcase today, I'm focusing on babies all the way up to the teachers that inspire and shape our children's lives. So grab your shopping list and a cup of coffee and get ready to shop!!
Babies...is there anything more precious than a sleeping newborn? YES! A sleeping newborn in a handmade creation by Nana G Creations!! There are two expectant mommies in my family--one is due in June and the other in July. The anticipation of meeting those miracles of God for the first time fills me with joy! Nana G is an ArtFire community member who specializes in personalized baby items. Check out her studio and shop for the newborns in your own family!
Babies grow up in the blink of an eye! Just when you think you have a routine in place, you must shift into toddler mode. Preschool and grade school are right on the heels of those baby proofing years and all of the sudden, you're the parent of a teen trying to show proof that you know more than they do!!
My soon-to-be tween is a music lover and nothing will be more perfect for her birthday than some Music is my Life Glassdrop magnets from ArtFire member's studio aichichuahua. This talented artist has so much more to offer that you must check out her studio...bottlecap necklaces, dog treats, bath salts, and laundry soap just to name a few. The music lover's magnets will be perfect for my daughter's locker next fall.
Even though the kids (preschool through high school) are counting down the days until the end of this school year, it always sneaks up on parents who neglect to buy that teacher appreciation gift until the last minute. But allow time for shipping on these personalized treasures from Woppie Doodlez and don't forget your child's Sunday School and piano teachers when shopping!! Woppie Doodlez has adorable custom pendants and more for all those great individuals who make a difference in our children's lives.
I hope you enjoyed today's shopping showcase and that it gave you some ideas for those on your gift giving list. Time for me to get back to the beading studio and create some more jewelry for your jeans.
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Hand Picked Member Collection on ArtFire
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
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Casual Day Designs Tuesday Shopping Showcase
The robins are attempting to build their annual nests on top of my outdoor light fixtures again--a sure sign spring is taking flight. It always amazes me how they can so intricately and perfectly mold their nest out of twigs and vines with nothing but their beaks and their little birdie feet! In honor of these winged wonders, I would like to remind everyone it is the 226th birthday of John James Audubon. Mr. Audubon was a French-American ornithologist, naturalist, hunter, and painter who described, painted, and recorded the birds of North America in a manner far superior to any before him.
Like the innovative works of John Audubon, ArtFire.com is an interactive online community designed to bring together buyers and sellers of artistic goods in a manner far superior to any other online marketplace! And with that said...it is Tuesday...which means Casual Day Designs is bringing another Tuesday Shopping Showcase your way. Tuesday is the day I will feature three ArtFire Studios in my blog. So get your shopping list and settle in. There's something for everyone today!!
I don't know about you, but we're already receiving Graduation announcements in the mail, which means it's time to think about buying some cards and planning out the day of reception hopping. (I like to find out what everyone is serving so I know which receptions I will attend first for food and which ones I will make later on the list for cake and desserts!!) Instead of the same old money holder cards, if you're looking for something unique that the graduate won't receive three of the same, check out A-Lou Creations. This husband and wife team make some wacky greeting cards that are like no other!!
Another day that should not be overlooked this month is, of course, Mother's Day! Mother's Day is not just for Mothers, however! Take care of mom, aunts, sisters, grandmas, friends and all the females in your family with some moisturizing shea butter soap in a variety of wonderful scents from Fo-Shizzle Design Studios. Mischelle's soap is like silk on your skin and smells heavenly!
And while I'm talking about mom, I should also put a plug in for dad--my dad, Sam, that is. He's the one that got me hooked on ArtFire in the first place! His shop, Tied in Knotz, features paracord survival bracelets and related products. (And I have to mention that the photography of his items is superior!)
So, check out my dad's shop, pick up something for mom, and don't forget the graduates--ArtFire has it all--it's not just for the birds!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop Online in my ArtFire Studio
Like the innovative works of John Audubon, ArtFire.com is an interactive online community designed to bring together buyers and sellers of artistic goods in a manner far superior to any other online marketplace! And with that said...it is Tuesday...which means Casual Day Designs is bringing another Tuesday Shopping Showcase your way. Tuesday is the day I will feature three ArtFire Studios in my blog. So get your shopping list and settle in. There's something for everyone today!!
I don't know about you, but we're already receiving Graduation announcements in the mail, which means it's time to think about buying some cards and planning out the day of reception hopping. (I like to find out what everyone is serving so I know which receptions I will attend first for food and which ones I will make later on the list for cake and desserts!!) Instead of the same old money holder cards, if you're looking for something unique that the graduate won't receive three of the same, check out A-Lou Creations. This husband and wife team make some wacky greeting cards that are like no other!!
Another day that should not be overlooked this month is, of course, Mother's Day! Mother's Day is not just for Mothers, however! Take care of mom, aunts, sisters, grandmas, friends and all the females in your family with some moisturizing shea butter soap in a variety of wonderful scents from Fo-Shizzle Design Studios. Mischelle's soap is like silk on your skin and smells heavenly!
And while I'm talking about mom, I should also put a plug in for dad--my dad, Sam, that is. He's the one that got me hooked on ArtFire in the first place! His shop, Tied in Knotz, features paracord survival bracelets and related products. (And I have to mention that the photography of his items is superior!)
So, check out my dad's shop, pick up something for mom, and don't forget the graduates--ArtFire has it all--it's not just for the birds!
Copyright 2008-2011 Casual Day Designs. All Rights Reserved.
Follow me on Twitter
Read My Blog
Connect With Me on Facebook
Shop Online in my ArtFire Studio
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Christmas Shopping in April!!
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!!
Seriously, Mother Nature...a snow storm on April 19th?? We just put the snow blower away, raked the leaves, and got the smoker seasoned and ready to go!! We had green grass for heaven's sake!!
Well, when life gives you snow...go Christmas shopping!!
I'm shopping right from the comfort of home this morning while I sip my coffee and watch what can only be a belated April Fool's joke going on outside.
There are so many great shops on ArtFire, I don't even know where to begin, but let me just highlight a few of my current favorites:
For the guitar players in my family (which I have three!), I'll be picking out some beautiful embroidered guitar straps made by Cool Straps in Florida. She does amazing unique works of art!
When looking for some inspired wall art for my mom's new place and my husband's office I will have no trouble finding just the right photo by Amy in Central Florida in her Impressions...from the heart studio. The trouble will be deciding which one from all her gorgeous images!
From Serendip Designs Jewelry in Whitefish, Montana, some of her one-of-a-kind silver swirls earrings will delight my sister-in-law.
The snow is really starting to pile up outside!! Perhaps I should go out and get that gallon of milk, loaf of bread, and dozen eggs that everyone goes out for when the blizzard hits! LOL!!
I've had a great time this morning showcasing some talented designers. Maybe I'll make this a regular Tuesday Shopping Showcase!
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