SpunSister Designs

Soap of the Month Club!

2009-12-03T14:50:00.006-05:00

What a great gift idea! The Soap-of-the-Month club, offered by Bohemian Rose Bath & Soap features six beautiful handmade soaps for $35.

Bohemian Rose will ship your first bar when you purchase your 6 month subscription to the Soap-of-the-Month club. You or your recipient will receive the next 5 soaps on the first Monday of each subsequent month. Each soap selection will either be from one of the standard fragrance lines, or a limited edition, seasonal soap.

Bohemian Rose handcrafted soaps and other bath and body products, are made using the cold process method, and use high quality ingredients, including essential oils, fragrance oils, or a combination of both for scent. They are vegan friendly too! Bohemian Rose does its best to accommodate allergies and any fragrance preferences.

Located in Mansfield, Texas, Bohemian Rose handmade products can be found on ArtFire and Etsy.

Cool Embroidered Wallets & Purses

2009-10-31T11:40:00.006-04:00

LB Accessories of Enfield, NH has a wonderful line of embroidered wallets, handbags and pencil cases for sale on its Artfire studio.

"I love creating wallets and the occasional pouch or handbag," says Patty, owner of LB Accessories. "My most recent creative endeavor has led me to creating embroidery designs that are modern and inspired by nature. I am happy to bring my original designs to life on highly functional and stylish wallets."

Most of Patty's embroidery designs start out as sketches which she then recreates on her computer in an embroidery digitizing program. She then transfers those designs to her embroidery machine and the fun begins! "All the designs/sewing are created/sewn by me! There are no prefab items here!" she adds.

You can also follow LB Accessories on Facebook.

All married now!

2009-08-23T20:43:00.005-04:00

What a busy summer! And what a fun summer!

Our wedding was in July, and, like most weddings, it was beautiful. We held it at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa. The Chateau is impressive; it's like a stunning french castle, with large ballrooms and ornate ceilings.

Just to add interest, we did have a few, um, not quite setbacks, but let's say, moments of interest:

The groom pulled his hamstring on the morning of the wedding trying to stop a soccer ball at his daughter's game
We had planned to be married on the outdoor terrace. The the sun shone all afternoon, until 5 minutes before the ceremony when the rain broke out. My bridal party was on its way to the ceremony spot and we kept running into guests! We ran an hid in an alcove until the groom was gone.
The rain stopped long enough to get a few outdoor shots. On our way out, my heel caught in the hem of my dress and I fell down eight marble steps. One. At. A. Time. OUCH! Fortunately, I didn't hit my head, nor did I break anything. Just lots of bruises and aches!

Despite that, we had a ball! I think adrenaline got us through the evening, even if the dip in our wedding dance wasn't quite as low as it should have been! The food and service were exquisite, the music was great (all stuff we boomers could sing to!) and there was lots of fun and laughter -- just what you need to make happy memories!

One of the highlights of the wedding was a toast and a special anniversary dance for my parents, who celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary the week before our wedding! I am blessed with a most loving family and this was a very special occasion.

We are so very lucky to be blessed with such incredible family and friends, and it is because of them, this was such a memorable event.

Let me introduce you to ArtFire!

2009-06-08T22:21:00.006-04:00

Now there are more reasons than ever to join ArtFire's handmade marketplace! And you can do so right here: Register on ArtFire.com

For $12 per month, you can have your own online studio front on one of the fastest growing online markets! No listing fees, no transaction fees and no commissions! And look at just some of what you get:

$12 fee for life
unlimited listings
10 photos per item
one-page listing process
automatic posting to Google Base
Rapid Cart checkout widget
easily customize your studio front with Fusion Studios
self-determined studio categories
preferred listing in searches
fast, comprehensive search options
random browsing
real time statistics
Google Analytics
superior support from ArtFire staff
social marketing links and hub
active forums
guilds
tutorials, articles, HandmadeNews

And the list goes on. Those of us who are already members get credit toward a lifetime membership for anyone who registers through us, so if ArtFire looks like it's for you, then please use this link: Register on ArtFire.com

You won't be disappointed!

Lovely Blogs!

2009-06-07T20:47:00.005-04:00

Yay! My first blog award!

This Lovely Blog Award was given to me by Passion for Beads! I am truly honoured to have been selected by someone whose work demonstrates such great detail and design.

Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but available around the world on ArtFire, Passion for Beads has some gorgeous items handcrafted with Swarovski Crystal. Right now she is offering a free gift with purchase!

I'm now ready to pass on the award to 15 other great blogs. Leave me a note with a link to your blog and I'll be excited, not only to read your blog, but to chose some award winners!

Seeing Red Can Make You a Winner!

2009-06-07T16:19:00.006-04:00

If you're seeing this red, it won't be because you are angry! Quite the contrary!

The ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Shops (AJDJSS) Guild has a contest going on, where by simply voting for one of nine red items (pictured above), you can win one of three prizes: a handcrafted bracelet, a selection of brass charms, or a jewelry pouch.

All you have to do is go to the Guild's blog, where you will find links to each of the above pieces of jewelry. In the blog's comment section, post which is your favourite and why, and you will receive an entry.

Even better though, if you blog about the contest, or tweet it, or promote it on Facebook, Plurk or whatever social marketing forums you use, you can win an extra entry. Be sure to link to your promotion to receive the extra entry.

And should you fall in love with one of the items and purchase it, you will receive five extra entries once your purchase is confirmed!

While you are on the blog, be sure to read about our feature artisan shop: Studio on the Hill. Studio on the Hill features a variety of regular and handmade jewelry supplies as well as artisan jewelry. A fun and exciting collection!

So run and vote now, maybe you'll be lucky and have a Red Letter Day!!

Is it Real or is it Polymer Clay?

2009-06-01T21:37:00.005-04:00

I'm always amazed at the richness of polymer clay. It looks so "real." And in the hands of a talented artist like Karina of Kabi Designs, the effects are stunning.

Some items reflect a fantasy world of dragons, dragonflies and other whimsical beings; others are fun, practical and sophisticated.

On her Studio bio, Karina describes how she loves working with polymer clay. "I love experimenting with clay and creating just about everything - but I especially enjoy making jewelry in which I use many different techniques, using canes that I make and enhancing the beauty of the canes and techniques with glass beads and Swarovski crystals. Also, I have entered the wonderful creative world of Fantasy Figurines which I also make out of polymer clay!"

Besides her ArtFire studio, a gallery of Kabi Designs beautiful items can be found on Flickr.

Groovin' with Ladeda Creations!

2009-05-30T14:11:00.014-04:00

Fun! Funky! Groovy! You'd think I was talking about returning to the 60s, but no, I'm referring to the bright and colourful polymer clay designs of LaDeDa Creations!

Swirls of blues, pinks, oranges and greens reflect the imagination of Laura Ruiz of Catoosa, Oklahoma, the creative force behind LaDeDa Creations. But this isn't an aging hippie; in fact Laura was barely out of diapers in the 70s.

"People have always told me I was born in the wrong time because I have always loved the 60's and 70's. Everything from the clothing to the music, and of course all the bright colours! I think it's because I've always been more of a free spirit than a go with the flow type person."

She has loved art of all kind since she was young, playing with art & crafts such as Shrinky Dinks, Playdough and colouring crayons. She went on to study cosmetology and for the last 19 years, she has been doing manicures -- sometimes with an added touch! "I found a way to work my art into my every day life by doing hand painted nail art on the ladies nails. Now I'm in another phase of my life where I'm ready to phase that part out and do my online business full time." Laura and her husband own a day spa in Catoosa, called Laura's Garden Spa.

And her online work keeps her busy. LaDeDa Creations can be found on ArtFire, Etsy, 1000 Markets and on her own website. She is also a member of the ArtFire Jewelry Artists and Supply Shops Guild.

But LaDeDa Creations is about more than selling. On ArtFire, LaDeDa is continually promoting fellow artisans through Twitter, VoteHandMade, blogs and forums. She manages the ArtFire Crazy Train campaign where different artisans are highlighted and promoted on different days. "I believe promoting others is easier than promoting yourself and it's more fun. I believe God has blessed me with the ability and desire to help others so it gives me joy to do so!"

Like many ArtFire artisans, LaDeDa Creations enjoys being a member of the ArtFire community. "There are so many great things about Art Fire! First of all the Administration sets the tone for the community feel, they treat us as equals and value our opinions. Their desire to do their best for us causes us to want to give our best to each other. We are treated more like family than just customers that are paying our monthly bill to help them keep the site running. They give us so many tools to help us succeed and don't stifle our creativity in making new tools to promote ourselves and each other. Because of Art Fire I have made many friends and continue to make more as the site grows."

ArtFire launches new look with Fusion Studios!

2009-05-29T21:31:00.008-04:00

This week ArtFire launched its revamped studio pages, and the response has been exciting and positive! The new Fusion Studios, as they are called, combine pleasing graphic layouts with solid functionality for both vendors and buyers.

While the new look applies to all studios, verified ArtFire vendors have more options with respect to the look of their studios. These include layout options, such as colours, fonts, banners & backgrounds, but also the opportunity to add widgets and display tags. Shopping carts are easier to access -- a bonus for both buyers and sellers.

New with the Fusion Studios is the addition of a gallery of other work, and a section to display sold items. Perfect for giving your clientele an idea of the scope of your work. Easy links to social marketing sites is great for click-throughs as well.

Buyers and browsers will find that the new pages load faster and that studio searches are quicker. As always, ArtFire continues to tweak and improve its site in ways that benefit both buyers and selling artisans.

Want to sneak a peak at some new studio fronts? Check out the ArtFire Fusion Gallery on flickr.

Extra! Extra! BeadAllAboutIt!!

2009-05-20T23:53:00.006-04:00

ArtFire is a great source for handcrafted items, but for those who love to create, it's also a perfect spot to find a fantastic wealth of supplies and ideas. Riding ArtFire's Crazy Train this week is BeadAllAboutIt of Duncannon, Pennsylvania!

BeadAllAboutIt has an inspiring selection of semi-precious gemstones, glass pendants, and brass accessories that will help you create those special one-of -a-kind items that make you stand out among the crowd.

Bold poppy jasper, sparkly bronzite, colourful pearls, and bright, fun turquoise are among the riches that can be found on BeadAllAboutIt. So grab your muse and head on over!

Going Native with Wooley Creek!

2009-04-27T17:08:00.009-04:00

This lovely assortment is the creative work of Carmon Burgess of Wooley Creek Tribal & Ethnic Jewelry.

From Claremore, Oklahoma, Carmon has been handcrafting items for most of her life. "I have been crafting various things most of my life. I was always coming up with something to use around the house, to wear, or to give as gifts."

Carmon learned embroidery when she was five years old. She stitched her daughter' infant clothes, and took on quilting, crocheting, rag doll making and cross-stitching, before finding beadwork. "I have been doing beadwork since about 1990, with a couple of breaks here and there, I added leather work so that I could do beadwork on that too! In between all that, I am a genealogist...so I am never at a loss for something to do!"

Although she is not a member of a native tribe, Carmon does have native blood, and her husband is a registered member of the Cree Nation.

For Carmon and her Wooley Creek studio, finding an online site like ArtFire is great, as she has a disability. "Artfire is a godsend to artist like me who cannot always go out in public to sell their wares because of physical limitations. The staff is wonderful and supportive of its artists, the sellers are great! I love it!"

Home decor - it's all in the details!

2009-04-22T18:28:00.008-04:00

Whether you are fully redecorating a room, or just giving it a little lift, it's the details that make a difference. And these days, those little facelift details can really perk up your home and your spirits, especially if they are from 3zArt.

3zArt is the creative endeavor of Alexandria (A.J.) McCormick of Amarillo, Texas. Fun, funky, colourful, whimsical all describe 3zArt's light switch plates, outlet plates, mousepads, coasters and lampshades.

Light switch plates are hand crafted using fabric decoupage with a minimum of three coats of sealer, making them easy to clean with just a damp cloth. The fabric is folded over the back of the plate to prevent the edges from fraying. A.J. finishes by insulating the back of the plate for added quality. Mouse pads are handmade using a technique similar to heat pressing.

While she makes mostly home decor products by mod podging and/or embellishing, A.J. is always experimenting with other crafts. Her entrepreneurial skills began at an early age. "I've been creating goods and selling them for as long as I can remember. When I was a little kid, I had a different book in our driveway each week, selling anything from cookies to newspapers I made."

A.J. recently left the corporate world to pursue the freedom and challenge of being her own boss. This Saturday (April 25th) she will be at the Funky Finds Spring Fling in Fort Worth, Texas. She will also be setting up a booth at the "Vendors Market" in her home town over next few weeks; so if you are in the area, drop in for a visit and see her items in real time!

Celebrate Earth Day!!

2009-04-22T17:16:00.006-04:00

Just in time for Earth Day! From my ArtFire Studio, these earrings are called "Around the World."

These 15mm (5/8 inch) globes have a deep rich blue base, with shell inlay to represent the different continents. Latitude and longitude lines are in a rich gold colour, and the Swarovski crystal bicones that frame the globe symbolize the polar ice caps.

These earrings hang 28mm (1-1/8 inches) from 14k gold-filled wires.

All of my items come gift boxed and we provide free surface mail shipping throughout North America! Please contact us for international shipping rates.

Beautiful beads make more than jewelry

2009-04-14T14:08:00.025-04:00

Beads, especially lampwork, make for great jewelry AND for great home decor accessories. Accessories by Gottjoy, of Glendale, Arizona has a delightful collection of both. In her ArtFire studio, you can find colourful wine stoppers, ceiling fan pulls, letter openers and keychains interspersed among some gorgeous earrings, necklaces and bracelets.

Joy Gott, the creative force behind Accessories by Gottjoy, started with jewelry and widened her scope after being inspired by visiting some of the bigger gem and bead shows in Tuscon. "I was shown the wide variety of things I could make and it has expanded from there. I have a bead addiction! Lampwork beads and Swarovski crystals are my favorites. I probably have around 5,000 lampwork beads that I have collected over the years. All of them have been purchased from artisans on Ebay, Etsy or Artfire."

Like most artisans, Joy has many other creative interests. "Like my mother, I found it hard to sit in front of the TV and not be doing something with my hands. I crochet, quilt, needlepoint, cross stitch, embroidery and beadweave."

That artistic energy is reflected in Joy's storefront items.

Accessories by Gottjoy is another one of the many quality artisan studios that can be found on ArtFire.

Easter may be over, but the egg hunting is still on!

2009-04-13T21:54:00.003-04:00

There's still another week left in the ArtFire Easter Egg Hunt! So if you haven't started yet, it's time to get cracking!

Search the various studios of handcrafted items at ArtFire for colourful Easter eggs that contain letters. Use the letters to spell out a sentence and you could win a gift voucher for $50, $20 or $10! The voucher can be used at any of the artisan studios that participated in the egg hunt. That means while hunting down the eggs, you should keep an eye out for something that you might like as a prize!

So gather up your chocolate for energy and stamina, and jump in to the last week of the ArtFire Easter Egg Hunt! I'll even give you a free hint to get you started!

The Handmade Connection

2009-03-06T13:08:00.032-05:00

In these days of mass production and big box stores, handmade items are like an oasis of design, colour and style.

The tradition of handmade is gathering increasing respect, as buyers search for original designs created with quality supplies and top-notch craftmanship.

Buying a handmade item creates a connection between the buyer and creator that is not found in large stores. If the item is a gift, it creates a special connection between the giver and the recipient. In short, handmade connects. Buyers connect with artisans, artisans connect with their craft, their craft connects with tradition, quality and the surrounding environment. The creative energy spreads and connects with other aspects of our lives.

Supporting independent artisans helps prevent a cookie-cutter mentality in the furnishing of our homes, our dress and our lives. It's a bit of spice and spark in a culture that is increasingly promoting uniformity.

Celebrate handmade by visiting communities like ArtFire, where artisans from around the world display and sell original handcrafted items. Foster creativity by visiting sites like IndiePublic , Madebyhand, and BuyHandmade, among others.

Make the handmade connection!