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On Fire for Handmade - Featured Artisan - Raige Creations & Vintage

2012-02-09T12:50:00.000-08:00

RaigeCreations

This Week's Featured Artisan is Rebecca Raige - Raige Creations!

Rebecca's creations are truly unique. Just in time for spring and summer, you have got

to check out her "Tokini's" - theya re just tooo cute!

You can find Raige Creations on:

http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/RaigeCreations

http://raigecreations.etsy.com

http://www.zibbet.com/RaigeCreations

https://www.facebook.com/RaigeCreations

On Fire for Handmade - Featured Artisan - Creations By Moonlight

2012-01-30T08:58:00.000-08:00

Share the Love Blogger's Unite Featured Artisan!

This week's Featured Artisan is Allurynn - Creations by Moonlight! Beautiful creations by a very

talented artisan! You can find Creations by Moonlight on:

Website

Etsy

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Dallas Soap Company!

2012-01-23T14:06:00.000-08:00

This weeks Featured Artisan is Dallas Soap Company! Yummy goodies to indulge

yourself in! Spoil yourself rotten... visit Dallas Soap Company!

You can find Dallas Soap Company on:

Website

Painted Desert Crochet Bucket Bag/Purse

Zibbet Exhibit - #2

2012-01-14T20:08:00.000-08:00

Zibbet Exhibit - #2

If you are interested in a THEMED Exhibit - Please let me know and leave suggestions for a theme!

Aurora Borealis beadwork necklace

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Hawks Nest Creations

Handpainted red and white rose wooden ornament

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Cancelled Stamps Magnetic Bookmark

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Pendulum~ Real Leaf & Pine Cone in Copper~ OOAK~

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Assorted die cuts and tags

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Blue Checkered Dress Full Length Button Down zip back c. 1960s

Eggplant Purple Flowered Fingerless Gloves with white buttons - handwarmers

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Cutie Travel Bug Pillow Case

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Crochet Tic Tac Toe Game Bag

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Custom Birthday Hats

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Dolphin Stud Earrings

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Chocolate Candy Hearts Set of 6 for Valentine and Wedding

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Splendid Rhapsody by Marie Osmond for Quilting Treasures-Cream

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Shop opening Feb. 2012

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If you have a zibbet shop and are interested in cross promoting with these other shops - join us on Facebook

Goals for 2012.... #5

2012-01-11T04:06:00.000-08:00

Goal #5: Better Time Management – something we can ALL benefit from!

Time Management That Works

Free Time Management Strategies and Techniques

So many things to do, but how do I find the time to do it all?? There are 24 hours in a day - is it that I don't HAVE time or do I waste more than I use???

We each have different time management struggles - the following three steps may help you determine your time management needs:

1. Determine what you want from your time.

Do you want to grow your business?
Do you want to make more time for your family?
Do you want more time to travel or pursue a passion?
Do you want to make time for a specific hobby?
Do you want to… __________________?

2. Write it down!

A visual “reminder” may be just what you need!

Some times it helps to plan WHEN you will do a specific task... schedule an appointment with yourself to DO what needs to be done - take it seriously!

3. Do one small thing every day.

Once you have it written down, put that paper somewhere you’ll see it every day. And every time you look at it, ask yourself if you’ve done anything that day to help make your time-management goal a reality.

Finally - don't for get to plan a day to relax:

Just don't make this your EVERY day list!

Goals for 2012.... #4

2012-01-09T05:50:00.000-08:00

Goal #4: DECLUTTER and Purge Something, Monthly or more often!

I tend to be a "pack rat" and even if you aren't like me, chances are you could still declutter and purge something at least once a month!

Don't make excuses, yes - I know you paid good money for all those items and I know some of them have memories behind them.... BUT -if you don't USE it, NEED it, or LOVE it - it is costing you...

TIME: That may sound strange to you, but if you have too much clutter it may cost you time: How often do you loose time looking for your keys, shoes, tools... sometimes you may be looking right at the item you want and can't see it for the clutter!

MONEY: If your life is cluttered and disorganized, we often don't have our papers and bills organized, See Goals for 2012 #3, it may be costing you in late fees or in replacing lost items, purchasing duplicates of things we don't realize we have... it all adds up!

PHYSICALLY: This may be the most or least obvious way that clutter costs - Stress!

If you are not "comfortable" or feel embarrassed to have guests in your home - you may need to declutter!

There are many ways to declutter - you can sign up for daily emails, print check lists there is even a free 2012 Declutter and Organize Calendar available from My Simpler Life. This calendar has “short, weekly tips on saving time, taking care of yourself, relaxing ideas, organizing tips, and ways to create a saner, simpler life.”

Here is a quick list of suggestions:

Declutter for 15 minutes every day. It’s amazing how much you can get through if you just do it in small increments like this.
Don’t allow things into the house in the first place. Whether you’ve begun decluttering the living space, or you’ve just completed it, STOP bringing in new stuff NOW. Even if that’s ALL you do and don’t start decluttering immediately, if you can only establish one habit at a time, establish the no-more-stuff habit first. This way, when you do get to decluttering the existing stuff, you’ve already stopped making it worse. Think of bailing out a boat with a hole in it. You can bail and bail, but it won’t do anything for the leak. Use the “one in, two out” rule. The rule: whenever you bring in an item, you have to throw away two other items. First you cheat, by throwing out two pieces of paper, but soon you will have to move to big stuff.
Donate stuff you’re decluttering, so you don’t feel bad about wasting it.
Create a Goals chart with decluttering on it — either daily, or at least 3 times a week. Check off the days when you declutter, and you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Start at the corner by the door and move your way around the room, doing the superficial stuff first – surfaces, empy the bin etc. Repeat, but do more the 2nd time around – ie. open the cupboards.
Whenever you’re boiling the kettle for tea, tidy up the kitchen. If the kitchen is tidy, tidy up the next room – it’s only 3 minutes but it keeps you on top of everything.
Make your storage space smaller and more minimal. If you have lots of storage, you’ll fill it with stuff.
Clothing rule: If you haven’t worn an item in 6 months, sell or donate it.
The One-Year Box. Take all your items that you unsure about getting rid of (e.g. “I might need this someday…”), put them in a box, seal it and date it for 1 year in the future. When the date comes, and you still didn’t need to open it to get anything, donate the box WITHOUT OPENING IT. You probably won’t even remember what there was in the box.
Declutter one room (including any closets, desks, cabinets, etc.) before starting on the next one. Spending time in that room will feel *so* good, and it will be so easy to keep clean, that it will motivate you to do more!
Keep a list in your planner labeled “Don’t Need It – Don’t Want It.” When you’re out shopping and run across some kind of gadget or other item you crave, note it down on the list. This will slow you down long enough to reconsider. Also, seeing the other things on the list that you nearly bought on impulse really helps.
Internalize that your value is not in your “stuff”. It is just “stuff”. And realize that your value grows when you share your “stuff”. Hoarding is a selfish act.
Have someone else (who you trust!) help you go through things. They don’t have the (sometime’s irrational) emotional attachment that you might have, but can still recognize if something should be kept.
Gift everything. Books you’ve read immediately get recycled among friends, family or local libraries. If you buy a new gaming system, donate your old one – and all the games.
Freecycle/Swap join one of the many online Freecycle or swap groups! This is great for books and many other things! Just remember you don't want to freecycle more things INTO your home!

No matter how you do it - DO IT! You will have more peace - in space and mind!

Zibbet Blast Out #1

2012-01-07T09:06:00.000-08:00

Zibbet Blast Out

Scarf Pin- OOAK Jewelry - Simply Elegant Sterling Silver

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Winter-themed His and Hers Hand Towels

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Custom Headbands

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Vintage Black Mantel Clock by Sessions Clock Company Forestville, CN

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Pink Puff Boa Scarf

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Glass Heart Necklace

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Baby's Heart, Mother's Tears Earrings

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Custom 12x12 inch canvases

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Purple Drawstring Purse-Crocheted in Nylon Thread

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Mayonaka no niwa, beadwork and kumihimo cuff

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Chocolate Wedding Favors Set of 6 with Bells, Wedding Cake and Double Hearts

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Luxurious Handbag - Greens with Gold accent shading

If you have a zibbet shop and are interested in cross promoting with these other shops - join us on Facebook

Goals for 2012.... #3

2012-01-06T05:56:00.000-08:00

Goal #3: Tracking Expenses and Financial Organization

For many of us the New Year is a time to set financial goals - some of the most common:
Get out of Debt, Plan for Retirement, Create an Emergency Fund... While these are all wonderful and worth our attention, first we need to KNOW our financial status!
(If you want more information check out the 10 Financial Resolutions for 2012)

So do you know your financial status?

Do you currently track your finances?

Do you have a budget?

Do you stick to your budget?

I keep track of our income, expenses, bills, etc.. in a couple of ways:

1. I keep a spreadsheet

2. I log it on a desk calendar

This may seem like overkill, but the spreadsheet is detailed and really helps me see what is happening with our money, while the calendar gives me a quick overview and helps me make sure none of our payments are late.

I will not go into great detail here (I can do that later if enough people show an interest), but will give a general overview and provide you with some options from online places to help budget/track finances.

The Calendar
Basically I purchase a desk top calendar, usually at the dollar store, that shows each complete month on an open two page spread - it is nice if there is a column (usually on the right) for notes.
I use the note section to list everything we need to pay that month, as the bills come in I note the bill and amount due on the calendar due date. When I pay the bill, I check it off. I have a separate binder that has monthly pockets, is that where I place all bills until they are paid. - you could add a large envelope to the calendar to hold bills.

The Spreadsheet
This is more detailed but makes it VERY easy to know how much money we have, how much we’re saving, how much we’re spending, etc...

There are 7 worksheets:

1. Income

2. Bills

3. Expenses

4. Debt

5. Giving

6. Investments

7. Summary

Each worksheet has the months in the left column, and the months are broken down into 4 or 5 weeks (Each row = one week), which makes it really easy to track how much you’re saving and spending on a weekly, monthly, or yearly basis!

Let's briefly discuss each worksheet:

1. Income - This is where I record ALL income, Paychecks, gifts, even gift cards. Anything we receive gets logged here.

2. Bills - We all have them, these are the "fixed" expenses that we have. This worksheet has several columns for everything; including our Mortgage payment, Utilities (separate columns for Gas, Electric, Water), Internet, Phone (House and cell phones), Medical, Education, Insurance (home & auto), etc...

I list the amount due under the month and the row for the week it is due.

3. Expenses - Some would include this under5. Bills. I have this as a separate section because they are not "fixed", meaning they are a lot more variable. This will include Gasoline, Groceries, Dining out, Entertainment (movies, sporting events, etc...), Beauty, Clothing, Pets, Travel, Etc...

This is one of the best places to look if you need to cut back and save some money!

4. Debt - This is where I record how much we are paying towards each debt on a monthly basis. It also allows us to see our annual amount.

If you follow Dave Ramsey, this form might be very useful for practicing his “snowball method” for paying off debt.

5. Giving - This is one of my favorite worksheets! I have columns for Church, Food Pantry, Gifts, Good causes, Misc, and Gifts to others {like Christmas and birthdays}. This form can be helpful as tax season rolls around…and it’s also a great way to monitor your spending during the holidays!

6. Investments - No matter how small the amount, everyone should be saving and investing.

7. Summary - This worksheet collects all the data from the other worksheets so I can see our overall financial status. There is a total for each worksheet with an overall balance: Income minus giving, bills, expenses and debt reduction.

Ok, as I promised here are some options from online places to help budget/track finances:

Mint.com — Free Personal Finance and Budget Software
Outright.com — Free Online Accounting Software
Saving With Pam — Free Budgeting Worksheet to help you pay off debt and MORE!
East Shore Mom — Free Budget Worksheet

Feel free to comment and let me know if you are interested in more detailed information.

Goals for 2012.... #2

2012-01-05T05:30:00.000-08:00

Goal #2: Keep The Freezer Stocked

Time is at a premium for everyone these days and you can make the most of ingredients when they are in abundance by doubling up a recipe and freezing the extra meal. If you follow the steps below and store the food correctly in the proper containers, you will always have a home-cooked meal that can be piping hot in minutes.

We are not talking leftovers here, REAL leftovers may be stored in the refrigerator for fast reheating, we are talking about freezing fresh meats and breads and batches of chili, stews, and soup to have on hand for later. You can freeze individual portions so when are running late, or after a busy Saturday, there is something healthful and tasty to heat in the microwave, to feed your hungry family or just one.

About Containers
Glass- If using glass containers, choose dual purpose types that are designed for freezing, but are also heat proof. Know the limits of your glassware. For example: Pyrex needs to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before putting it into the oven out of the freezer.

Plastic Containers- Make sure containers close tightly and securely and are made of plastic that will not become brittle. Look for the snowflake symbol on the bottom.

Plastic Freezer Bags- Use only bags that are labeled for freezer use. Once the bag is filled, try to squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
*Freeze bags flat, then stack after frozen. Food frozen flat will freeze and thaw much more quickly than food that is frozen in one big lump.

Plastic Wrap and Foil- Only use freezer-safe plastic wrap. Regular plastic wrap is porous and not suitable in cold temperatures. After being wrapped in freezer plastic wrap, it should also be wrapped in heavy duty foil or placed in a freezer bag.

Freezing

You can freeze myriad foods: cake, cheese, bacon, berries, and other fruit. Sauces, broth, and pureed baby food can be stored in ice-cube trays and frozen, then bagged in freezer bags. Here are some tips on how to ensure your foods don't end up tasting of freezer burn.

Slice breads before you freeze for easier removal.
Freeze in small portions, so you can just defrost a serving fast and easily.
Wrap well. Use containers and plastic wraps that were designed specifically for the freezer.
Make sure there is no excess air in bags and wraps.
When freezing food, leave plenty of clear space around each container or package so that air can circulate around the food, allowing it to freeze quickly and evenly. After the packages are frozen, then you can stack them more efficiently.

Freeze food in small quantities so that it can freeze faster to prevent the buildup of large ice crystals.

Use shallow containers with wide surface area relative to depth.

If using freezer bags, lay them flat on a chilled baking sheet until frozen solid, then stack then however you like.

Cool food completely to room temperature before freezing.

If you are batch cooking a large amount of meals, lower your freezer’s temperature by 10 degrees for 24 hours before your big cooking day. Once the food is frozen, return the freezer to the regular temperature.

KEY! Be sure to mark all packages with the contents and date.

Place newer things in the back of the freezer and older items in front.

Organizing Your Freezer
Freezers should be kept at 0 degrees C or -18 degrees F.

Try to avoid randomly throwing items into your freezer. Instead label, date, and stack food in a way that it is easy to see. If your freezer is deep, keep a list on the door that itemizes the contents.

For maximum efficiency, keep the freezer 75% full to keep from losing cold air each time the freezer is opened.

Freezers should be defrosted and cleaned at least twice a year or when more than ¼” of frost builds up on the inside.

Thawing
Of course, all of that hard work spent filling your freezer with homemade meals won't seem like a time-saver if you don't remember to thaw the food before you need it.
Overnight thawing in the fridge is best, but if time is of the essence, you can immerse foods in cold water—bag or container and its contents—and keep changing the water until it reaches room temperature. Transfer soups, sauces or stews to a saucepan and heat slowly, covered, until the mixture comes to a boil—be sure to stir often. For other individual portions, defrost uncovered in the microwave and cook and serve as soon as possible.

In the refrigerator
•8 hours per pound of meat
•4 hours per pound of poultry
•6 hours per pound of fruit or vegetables
•12-24 hours for stews and casseroles

In the microwave
•Allow 6 to 8 minutes per pound of food when thawing in the microwave on low heat or defrost.

Things to Have in Your Freezer

1. Cooked Pasta:
Cook a pound—bow-ties and rotelle are best for this purpose—until barely al dente (so that when you reheat, the pasta will not be mushy) and then freeze (unsauced) in freezer-ready container for adding to a hot sauce or microwaving later. (Do not rinse the pasta.)

2. Homemade Pasta Sauce:
Make a batch one afternoon and store in containers (be sure to leave a little space at the top for expansion). Cream sauces do not freeze well.

3. Very Ripe Bananas:
For an instant protein-rich smoothie, store ripe bananas in the freezer, unpeeled, in freezer bags if desired (to keep longer). Defrost and blend them with skim milk and soy-protein powder. These are also excellent for making moist, delicious banana bread.

4. Pizza Dough:
It thaws quickly at room temperature. Also, when you make pizza, cook an extra pie or two, let cool without cutting, wrap, and freeze for later. Just pop the pizza in a 400°F oven until hot, then cut and serve.

5. Bacon:

Raw bacon, wrapped side-by-side in pairs in parchment or waxed paper and then enclosed in foil, is great for keeping portions on hand.

6. Peeled Deveined Shrimp:
Thaw shrimp quickly under cool running water to make a tasty meal in a snap.

7. Frozen Potatoes:
Look for organic shoestring, shredded, or crinkle-cut fries or hash browns without additives. You can cook them quickly in the oven or in a skillet and top with browned ground beef and cheese or serve them with eggs.

8. Soups and Stews:
Simmered and braised dishes freeze well. Many recipes provide a large enough yield that you can freeze at least a quart to serve later. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Goals for 2012.... this is a start #1

2012-01-04T05:06:00.000-08:00

So, I am not making any "resolutions" but here are some things that I think would help us all in the New Year!

Goal #1: Make your bed every day!

True, making your bed is a small gesture – but that’s one reason that it’s a good idea. Sometimes the small things bring about a sense satisfaction and happiness that last throughout the day.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, picking one little task (like making your bed) is a way to improve your surroundings and give you a sense of well being, and doing it regularly, can help you regain a sense of self-mastery. Making your bed is a good place to start, and tackling one easy daily step is a good way to energize yourself for tougher situations.

2012-01-03T05:04:00.000-08:00

Catherine's Jewelry Design - Featured Artisan

This weeks' Featured Artisan is Catherine Templeton - Catherine's Jewelry Design. Exquiste pieces created with love by a wonderful Artisan!
You can find Catherine's Jewelry on:

Etsy
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

Revalued Crafts - #1

2012-01-02T06:27:00.000-08:00

Revalued Handmade Paper Crafts

Create Your Own Tablecloth, Place mat and Centerpieces.

Project

Create your own tablecloth, place mat, and centerpiece using paper, reused products, and nature. By utilizing your imagination and what is available, you can create a unique look that is all your own.

Why

Environmentally

By reusing items instead of throwing them away, you are helping the environment. If we reduce the amount of waste created, it helps conserve natural resources, and reduces the amount of garbage in landfills.

Monetarily

Since you are using mostly reused items, the cost of the creations is minimal. It is easy, with some creativity, to create beautiful things with very limited money.

Children

Children will need help with this project. You will be helping them explore nature and instructing them on how to safely bring nature indoors for decorating.

Safety

Scissors

Scissors should be used with care whenever touching or handling.

What you need

Supplies

Long roll of white paper (Newspapers sell the end of their paper rolls for a minimal fee. Contact your local newspaper to purchase.) OR check the local dollar store for plain white paper table cover.
Brown paper bags and/or magazines
Different size empty food boxes (cereal, pasta, etc.) and/or plastic bottles, containers
Decorating supplies (pens, markers, glue, ribbon, stickers, used cards)
Nature items
- Fall -- leaves, acorns, berries
- Winter -- pine limbs, berries, tree branch, winter flowers
- Spring -- Flowers, clippings from flowering bushes and trees, seeds
- Summer -- Flowers, leaves, vegetables

Directions

Roll out the paper on the table. Cut paper long enough that it will cover a portion of both ends of the table.
Decorate the paper tablecloth using all the different craft and nature items you have collected. Be creative -- this is your design.
Cut the brown paper bag open. Cut the bag such that you leave the big sides intact.
Use the big sides of the brown paper bag as your place mat. Decorate them to coordinate with your tablecloth.
Select different size containers for the centerpiece. Cover them either with the pictures from the magazines, paper or the paper bag. Decorate.
Put the covered containers on the table at differing heights.
You can use bowls or jars in the boxes, and fill the jars with nature items to create your centerpiece.

Zibbet Exhibit SNOW

2012-01-01T06:00:00.000-08:00

Zibbet Exhibit SNOW originally by Breath of the Dragon

Due to the lack of snow in my neck of the woods this winter, the Theme for this first-ever Zibbet Exhibit is SNOW....

Christmas Snowflake Sugar Cookies by RedRoseConfections on Zibbet	My Teddy and Me glass tile pendant by IzzysPlace on Zibbet	Winter Night Church gift tinby EnchantedCraft on Zibbet
Snow Trees solid oak coaster/tile by NicolesVisions on Zibbet	100 Custom Holiday Product Tags by PortableGraffitiGraphics on Zibbet	Snowflake Pendant by SueStitches on Zibbet
Snowflake Gift Card/Luggage/Business Card Tag by BreitWerk on Zibbet	2 Collectible Snow Babiesby TexasEagle on Zibbet	Snow on the Grass earringsby XquisitelyLadyM on Zibbet

Featured in Great Finds - Amethyst Dreams

2011-12-31T09:28:00.000-08:00

Snowflakes

Hey one of my gift card holders has been selected to be featured on the Great Finds Page.

The Theme for this week is be “Amethyst Dreams”.

The listing will be up from December 31st until the following Saturday. There is a poll where viewers can vote for their favorite item.

The winner receives a custom banner set for your shop or a 125x125 animated ad that they can use on their blog or for advertising other websites – The banner set and and ad are by Helping Hands Graphic Design. Winner also receives a free Listing on The new On Fire Gift Guide! .The Poll is on the left side of the page at the bottom of the page. It will close on Friday of next week.

Please consider voting for my gift card holder! @BreitWerk

On Fire for Handmade - Featured Artisan - Caty Ann's Creations

2011-12-27T07:15:00.000-08:00

This week's Featured Artisan is Cathy - Caty Ann's Creations. Beautiful creations by a beautiful lady! You can find Caty Ann'e Creations on:

Arfire

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Creations With Heart

2011-12-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

Share the Love - Blogger's Unite

This week's Featured Artisan is Julie - Creations with Heart. Beautiful Creations made by a beautiful lady!

Julie not only creates jewelry she features her fellow artisans on her wonderful blogs!

You can find Creations with Heart on:

Good or Bad - ready for Christmas??

2011-12-16T07:34:00.000-08:00

So Christmas is only a few days away, are you ready??

Our Christmas will be a bit quite this year, we did some of our gift giving at Thanksgiving...
Our son and daughter-in-love will spend Christmas with her family, our daughter is flying to Minnesota to spend Christmas with her "boy friend" and his family, all the other family members are far away...

We have had some fun Christmas times... we created our own traditions, one was having "basket gifts", we had several small gifts in baskets that the children were allowed to open one per day leading up to Christmas - it helped alleviate the "tension" of waiting to open gifts... should I mention that most of the tension was my husbands, not the childrens???
We celebrated Hanukkah one year, lighting the menorah - it was a great experience!
We even had certain gifts that we always gave - for my Mother-in-law we always had some type of flower (a rose preferably), real or other AND we always sent my Father-in-law coal (or something that resembled coal!).

So, when I saw this recipe on Diamonds for Dessert - it brought back some fun memories!

So, what traditions or memories do you have from Christmas past??

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Cowgirl by Design

2011-12-11T05:27:00.000-08:00

Featured Artisan - Share the Love Blogger's Unite

This week's Featured Artisan is Michele Blair - Cowgirl by Design. Beautiful

Creations that will make Wonderful Gifts! You can find Cowgirl by Design on:

Artfire

Twitter

Tis The Season Giveaway At Katherines Corner

2011-12-06T17:04:00.000-08:00

Tis The Season Giveaway

It’s Here the Tis The Season Giveaway starts today!!!!

My first ever Tis The Season Giveaway. I’m hoping to get plenty of entries so I will make this an annual event. Please help spread the word. What makes this giveaway so different from my regular monthly giveaways you ask? I have three prize bundles. THREE! That means three winners.

You won’t know which prize bundle you have won until I announce the winner on Monday December 19th.

What are the prizes…

Prize Bundle One is -Holiday Tea

A lovely Spode Christmas tree teacup and saucer,a tea towel with a cookies for Santa recipe and a set of pretty mistletoe salt and pepper shakers

Prize Bundle Two is – Pamper Me

A whimsical reindeer holding some hand towels,my favorite smelling lavender soap, a pretty glitter purse ornament,bubble bath and Santa hand lotion too.

Prize Bundle Three is- Noel

A pretty painted noel sign perfect for the mantel, a set of Santa salt and pepper shakers and a snowflake covered tea towel.

Now for the rules - Tis The Season Giveaway starts today and Ends December 17th at 6pm ( MST). Open to residents of the US, Canada, UK and Australia. Remember you must leave a comment for Each entry.

Winners will have 72 hours to respond, if no response, a second drawing will occur.

Please go to: Katherines Corner to comment and enter - comments on BreitWerk Buzz will NOT count as entries!

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Handmade Creations by Shelly

2011-12-04T06:07:00.000-08:00

On Fire For Handmade

Share the Love... Blogger's Unite Featured Artisan!

This weeks Featured Artisan is Shelly - Handmade Creations by Shelly.

Wonderful knit fashion accessories and more are found in her shop.

You can find Handmade Creations by Shelly on:

By Your Side: Cyber Monday the Handmade Way!:

'via Blog this'

December Small Shop Promotion - Handmade & Vintage

2011-12-01T04:49:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the December Small Shop Promotion - Handmade & Vintage hosted by BreitWerk

~ Christmas is coming! ~

Are you looking for shops that have unique and one-of-a-kind items?

Are you trying to get more business for your Handmade or Vintage shop?

Looking for more people to “favorite” your shop?

If you said yes, to any of the above questions, you came to right place!

*************************
How will this LINKY work?
Easy as 1, 2, 3!
1) Enter your shop in the Linky below!
Please note where your shop is: ArtFire:, Etsy:, Zibbet:, etc.!
2) Leave a comment letting me know a little more about your shop!!
Please consider following my blog!
3) Visit & Follow/Favorite the shop directly ahead of (and behind) you in the linky! Leave them a comment too, telling them I sent you!
*Please remember that my blog is Family Friendly and any thumbnails or links that I feel are inappropriate will be removed*

By Your Side: Cyber Monday the Handmade Way!

2011-11-28T19:36:00.000-08:00

Christmas shipping deadlines!

2011-11-27T13:43:00.000-08:00

Holiday shopping is already here. You want to be certain that your packages will be delivered before December 25th. To do so, be sure to follow the 2011 holiday shipping cut off dates. Let your customers know by posting these dates in your shop announcement.

2011 USPS holiday cut off dates

The Postal Service wants to make sure that you send all of your holiday mail in time for your family and friends to receive and enjoy for the holidays. Therefore, in order to ensure timely delivery of your cards, letters or packages, please note the shipping deadlines for the following different types of mail:

DOMESTIC MAIL DEADLINES

Domestic Mail Class	Deadline
FIRST CLASS MAIL®	DEC. 20
PRIORITY MAIL®	DEC. 21
EXPRESS MAIL®	DEC. 22 (Check your local Post Office)
PARCEL POST®	DEC. 15

Following is a list of related holiday dates:

First night of Hanukkah (Chanukah ) – Dec. 20th at Sunset
Christmas Eve – Dec. 24th
Christmas Day – Dec. 25th
Kwanzaa – Dec. 26, 2011 – Jan. 1, 2012

OUTBOUND INTERNATIONAL MAIL DEADLINES (SHIPPING TO A FOREIGN COUNTRY)

International Mail Addressed To:	Global Express Guaranteed®(GXG)4	Express Mail International®(EMS)5	Priority Mail International™(PMI)6	First-Class Mail International™
AFRICA	DEC. 20	DEC. 10	DEC. 2	DEC. 2
ASIA/PACIFIC RIM	DEC. 19	DEC. 15	DEC. 9	DEC. 9
AUSTRALIA/NEW ZEALAND	DEC. 19	DEC. 15	DEC. 9	DEC. 9
CANADA	DEC. 21	DEC. 16	DEC. 12	DEC. 9
CARIBBEAN	DEC. 20	DEC. 15	DEC. 12	DEC. 9
CENTRAL & SOUTH AMERICA	DEC. 20	DEC. 10	DEC. 2	DEC. 2
MEXICO	DEC. 21	DEC. 15	DEC. 9	DEC. 9
EUROPE	DEC. 20	DEC. 15	DEC. 12	DEC. 9
MIDDLE EAST	DEC. 20	DEC. 15	DEC. 12	DEC. 9

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Vintage Tags for Days!

2011-11-27T08:26:00.000-08:00

On Fire For Handmade

Vintage Tags for Days - Featured Artisan

This weeks Featured Artisan is Debbie LaRue - Vintage Tags for Days! Gorgeous tags in a vintage

style to give a unique look to your gifts! You can find Vintage Tags for Days on:

Debbie also has a shop called Flower and Bud Jewelry on Etsy too!

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Jardin de Lillian

2011-11-22T06:48:00.001-08:00

On Fire For Handmade

Jardin de Lillian - Featured Artisan Share the Love Blogger's Unite

This weeks Featured Artisan is Kalyene Sue Bacon - Jardin de Lillian. Truly unique

jewellery designs! You can find Jardin de Lillian on:

Blog

Etsy

Facebook

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Finding Charm

2011-11-06T16:46:00.000-08:00

On Fire For Handmade

Finding Charm - Featured Artisan Share the Love Blogger's Unite

This week's Featured Artisan is Sarah - Finding Charm! Sarah has

beautiful creations in a wide variety of styles and colors! You can

find Finding Charm on:

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - I Knit Quilt Sew

2011-10-30T06:30:00.000-07:00

On Fire For Handmade

I Knit Quilt Sew - Featured Artisan

This week's Featured Artisan is Sandi Levy - I Knit Quilt Sew!

Sandy has delightful creations in here shop. Something for everyone!

You can find I Knit Quilt Sew on:

Handmade Artists Shop

Pay It Forward the Handmade Way!

2011-10-29T13:59:00.000-07:00

One of the things I love about Zibbet is the Community! We have several active groups on facebook and several zibbet shop owners on twitter who tweet and RT for each other daily!
There are several things I want to share with you about my shop and the other zibbeters I "socialize" with...
Today I want to share with you about a section of the Zibbet Community called:

GET IN THE GAME!!! BUY AND LIST A PIF!!!!

This is a group of Zibbet shop owners who are Paying It Forward (PIF).

A PIF IS A PAY IT FORWARD ITEM YOU LIST IN YOUR SHOP . THE COST IS 1.00 AND THE SHIPPING IS FREE.

By buying a PIF you get a gret deal and find some great shops on the way!!

After you buy a PIF you are on your honor to list a PIF in your shop . Remember the cost of the items is 1.00 and the shipping is free.

So come on and GET IN THE GAME!!

Here are some of the current PIF listings on Zibbet (hurry, these may not last long!):

The Purple Rat This shop is owned by a young artist and college student who loves painting, coloring (with good old Crayola), origami, uni-cycling, and of course rats. :)

Portable Graffiti Graphics owned by the mother of our previous artist started her graphic art experience in high school with a major in art. She is dedicated and a wonderful zibbeter!

She also designs buttons in her other Zibbet shop: Portable Graffiti
http://www.zibbet.com/PortableGraffiti
Does proofreading your shop?
http://www.zibbet.com/Proofreader
and She writes the Fantastic Five on Zibbet. Check them out!
http://www.zibbet.com/blog/category/fantastic-five

Texas Eagle opened their first studio in 1978. You never know what you will find here!

Tawny Bee is a mommy who loves to sew, sing, do the hokie pokie, dance, do terrible impressions of semi-famous people, and share her craft with the world!

A Crafty Arab is a Libyan American who creates art and crafts to promote a positive image of Arab culture.

Modred Vintage is a stay at home mom with a general love of vintage.

Creations by Gena - Gena has been an artist for as long as she can remember.

Chastity00 started to design jewelry to stay busy and likes to use her artistic skills toward creating new things

Paper On Parade creative efforts lean to machine embroidery and personalizing gifts.

There are many more... just go to Zibbet and search PIF

You might be surprised what you find!

2011-10-26T10:32:00.000-07:00

This is a blog hop, feel free to add this code to your own blog page and get new entries. We ask that ALL who participate in the blog hop, place a direct link back to this blog or your blog hop link will be deactivated.

THANK YOU!

What is a blog hop?A blog hop is a linky list that is SHARED ON MULTIPLE BLOGS.
When several blogs put the same linky list code on their blog, the exact same list appears on each blog.
Originated from: Kater's Acres Blog
Blog visitors can submit their entries on any blog that contains the list.
The entries will appear on each blog where the list resides.

Blog readers see the same list on each blog, and can "HOP" from blog to blog seeing the same list of links to follow: BLOG HOP!

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Watercolors by Barbara

2011-10-09T09:05:00.000-07:00

On Fire For Handmade

Featured Artisan - Watercolors by Barbara

This week's featured artisan is Barbara Rosenzweig - Watercolors by Barbara. Beautiful creations to add to your home! You can find Watercolors by Barbara on:

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Armored Hearts

2011-10-02T07:23:00.000-07:00

On Fire For Handmade

Armored Hearts - Featured Artisan!

This Weeks Featured Artisan is Frann Ramales - Armored Hearts!

Beautiful chainmail creations and more! You can find

Armored Hearts on:

Getting to know you....

2011-10-01T06:41:00.001-07:00

Getting to know you....

This is a monthly post where you can share things about yourself or your business. Giving all of us an opportunity to get to know one another and/or our businesses.Suggested ideas:-blog posts you have enjoyed and why.
-questions you have about.... well, anything!
-business ideas, goals - project ideas.-books you have read or are reading - and a mini review.
-interesting people or places

To participate in this grand adventure, I ask only that you follow my blog and that you are willing to leave comments, visit links others may leave and remain positive.

You may contact me @BreitWerk@gmail.com if you have any ideas, suggestions, or questions. Please feel free to email me if you have a long post to share and I will consider adding it to my blog!

100 Sales / 100 Days continues...

2011-09-27T10:30:00.000-07:00

I joined the 100 Sales/100 Days challenge over at Everyday Inspired but I failed to post my stats on Sept. 22nd as I was *supposed* to!

For those who don't know this challenge runs from Sept. 7th through Dec. 15, 2011 and all you have to do is post bi-weekly with your shop stats and some tips.
I was planning to post more often, but life sometimes get’s in the way!

You can participate no matter where your online shop is located, mine happens to be on Zibbet (which I love for a zillion reasons).

So here we go, my online shop is located here: BreitWerk

Here are my stats for September (to date):
Items Sold: 0
ShopViews: 1946

I have been on twitter using The Buffer App to schedule my tweets! I love this tool!
I also network on facebook but other than that I have not branched out too far.

I am always interested in feedback - I would love to hear from you! Please let me know what you think of my shop, prices, products - anything and everything! I will send you a code for 30% off for your constructive input!

Email please enter BreitWerk Feedback in subject line!

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Blue Highways

2011-09-27T05:09:00.000-07:00

On Fire For Handmade

Blue Highways - this weeks Featured Artisan

This week's Featured Artisan is Andrea Zimmerman Rogers - Blue Highways. Gorgeous Handbound books and journals. A work of art to keep your thoughts, pics and more! You can find Blue Highways on:

Win A Spot In The Virtual Indie Craft Fair | IndieBizChicks.com

2011-09-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

The Virtual Indie Craft Fair will run from November 1 – 30, just in time to get you and your business in front of holiday shoppers. Crissy Herron of Indie Biz Chicks is giving away a vendor spot for this year's show! Here's what you will get:

Over $400 worth of advertising.
125×125 ad on the sidebars of IndieBizChicks and CleverChicks
Featured blog post on IndieBizChicks
Featured ad spot on IndiePublic
Press release that Crissy will write and distribute for you

More!

They will be doing a lot of activities to drive traffic to this event. Hop on over to Indie Biz Chicks and enter for your chance to win!

Win A Spot In The Virtual Indie Craft Fair | IndieBizChicks.com: "http://www.indiebizchicks.com/wp/win-a-spot-in-the-virtual-indie-craft-fair"

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Flower & Bud Jewelry

2011-09-18T11:40:00.000-07:00

On Fire For Handmade

Flower & Bud Jewelry Featured Artisan

by On Fire for Handmade on 09/18/11

This weeks Featured Artisan is Debbi La Rue - Flower & Bud Handcrafted Jewelry!

You can find Flower & Bud on:

» Giveaway Monday – Goldenrod Journal:

'via Blog this'

Twitter

» Giveaway Monday – Goldenrod Journal

2011-09-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Moss and Mist

2011-09-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

On Fire For Handmade

Moss and Mist Featured Artisan Share the Love.. Blogger's Unite

This weeks Featured Artisan is Sharri Powell - Most and Mist! Gorgeous creations created with love.

You can find Most and Mist on:

http://www.ilmare-atelier.blogspot.com

Twitter

2011-09-09T05:13:00.000-07:00

100 Sales in 100 Days – Starts Today!

I just joined the 100 Sales/100 Days challenge over at Everyday Inspired!

I think this is a great idea. It ends on December 15, 2011 and all you have to do is post bi-weekly with your shop stats and some tips. I’m planning on posting much more often than that, but it’s nice to have a collective of all the blogs involved, reporting every other week for sure! :) You can participate no matter where your online shop is located, mine happens to be on Zibbet (which I love for a zillion reasons).

So here we go, my online shop is located here: BreitWerk

Here are my starting Zibbet stats:
Items sold to date: 6
Feedback as Seller: 5
August 2011 Shop Views: 1260
Sept.1st - 7th, 2011 Views: 532

Here are my Etsy stats: (shop listings expired in Aug. 2011)
Items Sold: 4
Feedback as Seller: 4

August 2011 Shop Views: 11

On Fire For Handmade - Featured Artisan - Vaudeville Gypsy

2011-09-05T21:07:00.001-07:00

On Fire For Handmade

Featured Artisan - Vaudeville Gypsy

by On Fire for Handmade on 09/04/11

This Weeks Featured Artisan is Vaudeville Gypsy. Truly Unique Creations

to tickle your fancy! You can find Vaudeville Gypsy on:

Getting to know you....

2011-09-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

This is a monthly post where you can share things about yourself or your business. Giving all of us an opportunity to get to know one another and/or our businesses.
Suggested ideas:-blog posts you have enjoyed and why.
-questions you have about.... well, anything!
-business ideas, goals - project ideas.-books you have read or are reading - and a mini review.
-interesting people or places

To participate in this grand adventure, I ask only that you follow my blog and that you are willing to leave comments, visit links others may leave and remain positive.

You may contact me @BreitWerk@gmail.com if you have any ideas, suggestions, or questions. Please feel free to email me if you have a long post to share and I will consider adding it to my blog!

Featuring: Handmade Fuzzy!

2011-08-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

If you have never heard of or visited Handmade Fuzzy, you are in for a treat!

You will find hats, scarves, bibs, key chains, necklaces and bracelets, bibs, bags, mice and more!

Frauke is German but lives here in the states, she is constantly creating! She does amazing things and her Mice are so cute and cover a variety of "occupations"...

When she is not working her magic, she is probably coming up with a new idea or design. Her items are all One-of-a-Kind and many are ready to be shipped out immediately. If you have a custom request please contact her well in advance of your need.

Everything is from a smoke free environment.

You can find her on Zibbet, Facebook or on her Blog

UPDATE: Handmade Fuzzy's first anniversary on Zibbet is here!
To celebrate they are having sale! Everythign is 9% off until Sept. 9th!

Share the Love - Blogger's Unite Featured Artisan Il Mare Atelier

2011-08-28T07:59:00.000-07:00

This week's Featured Artisan is Suftan - Il Mare Atelier! Absolutely gorgeous

creations in her shop. Perfect addition to any wardrobe and great gifts too!

You can find Il Mare Atelier on:

http://www.ilmare.artfire.com

http://www.ilmareatelier.etsy.com

Tweeting, Retweeting and scheduling Tweets

2011-08-24T19:09:00.000-07:00

Recently I have learned about a new way to work with Twitter... Buffer - what is buffer? Well, it is a more efficient way to use twitter.
Buffer makes tweeting and retweeting easier with a way to schedule your tweets and retweets. You can plan your tweets at one time during the day, simply fill up your Buffer with your tweets (or retweets) and Buffer will post them for you! Simply go in and make sure your Buffer is full and you will be tweeting consistently all day long!
Learn about Buffer

Many people have increased their followers and gained more views of their blogs, websites or shops by not flooding their followers with RT's but scheduling them!
Please take a few minutes to read and learn more about Buffer!

Weekly Featured Artisan! - Rebecca's Whims - Share the Love Bloggers Unite

2011-08-23T05:00:00.000-07:00

This weeks featured artisan is Rebecca - Rebecca's Whims! Whimsically beautiful creations in her shop! Perfect gifts for all ages! You can find Rebecca's Whims on: