Friday, January 30, 2009

Fun Giveaway Friday

Fridays are a day I think a lot of us look forward to! What makes a Friday even better??? Free stuff! (huzzah!)

Soapdeli is giving away the following: Yuzu Goat Milk Soap, Falling for You
Soap, and Coconut Cream Pie Soap.

Look at those luscious bars!




To enter simply visit Rebecca's Soap Delicatessen http://soapdeli.artfire.com and pick your favorite item from her shop. Then leave a comment letting me know what your favorite item is!

Contest is open to the US and Canada, 18 and up. Limit one entry per

Contest ends next Friday, February 6, 2008 Winners will be announced on Saturday the 7th!

Good luck, everyone! And don't forget to leave us a link or email to get a hold of you if you win. :)

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

CPSIA...It's Coming...

As parents and concerned citizens I’m sure most of us at one time or another have been confronted with the question of lead poisoning. But have you asked yourself what your government is doing to protect your children from lead contained in toys? The answer? They're banning toys, taking books from schools and libraries, hurting low income families, killing entrepreneurial spirit and risking putting the economy in an even greater depression than we've seen in decades. I'd like to introduce you to their solution: the CPSIA.

Do you know about the CPSIA? No? Then I ask you to take a few minutes to find out about it.

The CPSIA stands for Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, a new set of laws that will come into effect on 10 February, 2009 and will impact many, many people in a negative way. Make no mistake, this is very real. View it for yourself. If Forbes, the American Library Association and numerous other media are paying attention, perhaps you should too.

How will these new laws affect you? Well, here are a few examples:

To the Parents of Young Students:
Due to the new law, expect to see the cost of school supplies sky rocket. While those paper clips weren't originally intended for your student to use, they will need to be tested now that your 11-year-old needs them for his school project. This law applies to any and all school supplies (textbooks, pencils, crayons, paper, etc.) being used by children under 12.

To the Avid Reader:
Due to the new law, all children's books will be pulled from library and school shelves, as there is no exemption for them. That’s okay though, there's always television. Our children don’t need to learn the love of reading after all.
Article from the American Library Association http://www.wo.ala.org/districtdispatch/?p=1322

To the Lover of All Things Handmade:
Due to the new law, you will now be given a cotton ball and an instruction manual so you can make it yourself since that blanket you originally had your eye on for $50 will now cost you around $1,000 after it's passed testing. It won't even be the one-of-a-kind blanket you were hoping for. Items are destroyed in the testing process making one-of-a-kind items virtually impossible. So that gorgeous hand-knit hat you bought your child this past winter won’t be available next winter.

To the Environmentalist:
Due to the new law, all items in non-compliance will now be dumped into our already overflowing landfills. Imagine not just products from the small business owners, but the Big Box Stores as well. You can't sell it so you must toss it. Or be potentially sued for selling it. You can't even give them away. If you are caught, it is still a violation.

To the Second-Hand Shopper:
Due to the new law, you will now need to spend $20 for that brand new pair of jeans for your 2-year old, rather than shop at the Goodwill for second hand. Many resale shops are eliminating children's items all together to avoid future lawsuits.

To the Entrepreneur:
Due to this new law, you will be forced to adhere to strict testing of your unique products or discontinue to make and/or sell them. Small businesses will be likely to be unable to afford the cost of testing and be forced to close up shop. Due to the current economic state, you'll have to hope for the best when it comes to finding a new job in Corporate America.

To the Antique Toy Collector:
Due to the new law, you'd better start buying now because it's all going to private collection and will no longer be available to purchase. “Because the new rules apply retroactively, toys and clothes already on the shelf will have to be thrown out if they aren't certified as safe.” http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123189645948879745.html

To the American Economy:
Already struggling under an economy that hasn’t been this weak in decades, the American economy will be hit harder with the inevitable loss of jobs and revenues from suppliers, small businesses and consumers. The required testing is far too costly and restrictive for small businesses or individuals to undertake.

To the Worldwide Economy:
Due to this new law, many foreign manufacturers have already pulled out of the US market. You can imagine the impact of this on their businesses.

If you think this is exaggerating, here is a recent article from Forbes
http://www.forbes.com/2009/01/16/cpsia-safety-toys-oped-cx_wo_0116olson.html

And for those of you prepared to be stupefied and boggled, The New Law
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/cpsia.html

Did you know? If this upsets or alarms you, please react.

Saturday, January 24, 2009

I Hope You Left Room for Dessert!


One of my weaknesses would be sweets and everything involved, therefore when someone wants to give them out for free, I am all over that. ;) Etsy's Edible Arts Team is having a bake sale giveaway! Um, YUM! This is what they offer:

2 grand prizes, worth over $100 will be given away!
2 runner ups will receive a prize worth $20!
Prizes will arrive to you just in time for Valentines day!

So if you also have been known or know someone who loves them some sugar head on over and check their divine giveaway HERE.

*photo of Ooey Gooey Caramel Truffles by ooeygooeygoodness.

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Featured Sellers, Mixing it up! Dolls

I love our newbies and undiscovered beauties, but with the CPSIA and the new enforcement of lead testing for everything under the sun I couldn't but help wonder if some of these items will no longer be available, not for lack of being safe, but because the cost of testing is so prohibitive! Most pieces including my own would end up costing over thousands of dollars for one doll! So in a show of support for all the is good and handmade I give you all of these fabulous creations. Enjoy!

QuirkyDolls AmyRoseDesigns minelolly laraandmedolls opheliamcphee zouzoudesign

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Featured Sellers Not Forgotten!!!

Except my apologies for not getting the featured sellers up today. Life is crazy as a stay at home mom of four kids and a husband in college! But it will be up promptly tomorrow at noon MST! Set your clocks, it will be great as always!

Monday, January 19, 2009

Today has Been Good to Me

Another feature this time for Artfire! Shine Your Hiney Soaps Co. so graciously featured my Bee Happy ACEO today in her Bzzzzzzzzz post today. Thanks ShineYourHineySoaps!

I Love When My Email Says Congratulations!

I feel very privileged to be featured by Jillian, known as eternalimages over at http://jillianspencer.blogspot.com.

She was kind enough to feature my listing Flower Letter Names over at Etsy

They come in all colors, and the letters come from my Flower Alphabet Print.



Thanks so much Jillian! Now all of you go head over and check out her amazing things and leave a little blog love!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Itty Bitty Romance

After chatting with a bunch of fine sellers over at Etsy chat, the topic of Valentines Day came up and the question, "Will you be making anything for the holiday?" Not sure that I had it in me to do something more for this lovers' holiday I decided to just work on another ACEO for my floral collection. But whether the message subliminally sunk in or it was just on my mind, this itty bitty romantic ACEO, named "Lady in Red" happened.




This striking itty bitty hand colored art comes with a big statement of a rich deep red intricate primrose dancing her way through a midnight black background. The original drawing measures 2.5 by 3.5 inches, perfect for collecting as a treasure of art.

Drawn and colored with Faber Castell Design Spectracolor Pencils on acid free, heavy weight vellum paper, specifically for drawing and color pencil artworks. Each original piece has been sprayed with fixative to preserve the intricate and vibrant flower.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

A Newbie and Undiscovered Beauty: Feature #4

It's that time of week again! Albeit a little later than usual. But I ended up scouring all the wonderful shops and lost track of time. But let's get on with it!

A Newbie, Seller: Camsoaps at http://camsoaps.etsy.com

She did establish her shop early last year, but now really seems to be in the groove this last month of so! I wanted to introduce her here as an awesome soap maker and person! Here is one of her soaps I am dying to try!




"Scented with a beautifully bright, fresh, tart yet sweet fragrance oil.
With almost 9% cocoa butter plus added castor oil, this is a super smooth, bubbly bar. Goat's milk makes the lather silky and moisturizing. Made using the cold-process method, in small batches, and allowed to cure for at least 6 weeks.


Ingredients: Saponified oils of olive (infused with chamomile and calendula), palm, palm kernel, coconut, condensed goat’s milk, almond, cocoa butter, castor, sesame, wheat germ, avocado, jojoba, fragrance, and shea butter, organic aloe vera, grapefruit seed extract"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Undiscovered Beauty: Baroness Bijoutery's Duchess's Delight Necklace OOAK (one of a kind)


"Keishi pearls, swarovski crystal cascade from a beautiful delicate sterling silver lace chain. A truly regal piece for a special evening out where formal attire is a must. This is a unique ONE OF A KIND piece. The white Keishi pearls have silver sheen to them that sparkles right along with the dark teal and clear swarovski crystals and the sterling silver chain and wire. A piece to be kept and handed down to the next generation. Necklace measures 19" with a 4" strand drop in front, closes with a delicate sterling silver "S" hook."

To see this beautiful piece and others like it go to http://BaronessBijoutery.etsy.com.

To be featured next week:
  1. You must be a handmade crafter/artist with a shop either on Etsy or Artfire. (sorry no supplies)
  2. Leave a comment with a little bit about your shop and your favorite item you want featured with a link to your shop and item with...
  3. some constructive feedback for the featured item of that week you comment on for the seller/sellers of the post on their items and or shop in general.
  4. follow my blog and twitter! http://twitter.com/alwaysadorable
  5. tweet about the feature post!!!
Any seller can be featured whether you are a brand new seller with no/few sales or a seller who has had some success!
Thanks!

Patience is a Virture and it Might Be in Short Supply

Smack dab in the dead of winter has me dreaming of warmer days filled with the sweet fragrance of cherry blossoms and warm sunlight streaming in my windows at every angle! I know I should be patient, but here is the thing...I tend to lean towards not. :) With that said I decided to spread the spring and summer love with three little sultry sisters. My very own ACEO Orchid babies.

Here they are all in their summer splendor:


Saturday, January 10, 2009

Photo updates or I might be getting the hang of this

Today I noticed the impeccably wonderful light streaming through my front window which I have ignored before and just now paid attention because I have had 'photographing yourself to the top' on my mind. So here is what I was able to achieve. Maybe they will improve the look of my site as well. One can only hope.







Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Two Worlds, One Artist



I think I dream in colored pencil where life is vibrant, cheerful and colorful. Everything emanates a joyous vibe. You know all that peace, love and happiness. No rules to live by, no schedule to keep. Drumming to my own artists beat. ;)



But then you have the more serious and dedicated side of me, that wants a window into that crazy colorful world with just a splash of color. Like a smoldering red lipstick next to that perfect black dress to keep things interesting, but never veering to far from the side of elegant, sophisticated, and regal.

One of these days I will meet the artist that makes up both of them, equally balanced. Until then I treasure the journey.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

A Newbie and Undiscovered Beauty: Feature #3

What an awesome newbie with such an unique craft! This is silentlaunguages Custom Map Drawing.






Custom 9 by 9 inch multi-media drawing on either watercolor or premium drawing paper. In the past I have used watercolor, tea, coffee, tissue paper, dried flowers, india ink pens, drawing ink, and thread.

I will work with you as to what sort of landscape you would like. Ideas for shapes are free-form or anatomy. Your suggestions for color will also be applied to the custom drawing.

I love special requests, so feel free to ask for something different than what you see here!

Perfect gift for doctors, students, cartographers, and travelers.

Please allow 2 weeks for completion.

Send me a conversation or an email at cathedralanatomy AT gmail.com and I will be happy to start your piece for you!

So please check out Cartography of the Imagination!


Please let me introduce you to my undiscovered beauty, Pinka's Productions! A wonderful little shop full of sparkle and talent. Her new shop is delightful and she is working on some necklaces that will show soon!

This happens to be my favorite item in my favorite color!!!


Description: It's not for your toes but for your wrist, just like any other bangle bracelet. The difference is that this bracelet is made with a sock yarn called Tofutsies! :-) You can see the magnificent colors through the clear beads just enough and with enough sparkle to show off the focal bead in the middle. The bracelet measures a standard 7” around, but because its sock yarn, there is a chance of slight stretching with normal use. I can make a smaller bracelet if desired.

All purchases come in an organza bag perfect for storage or gift giving.

FREE 1ST CLASS SHIPPING! Delivery confirmation and insurance optional. Deliver confirmation: $.65 and insurance:$1.70 :-) :-)
Flat rate, Priority Mail shipping for $5 regardless of how many bracelets is also available and will include delivery confirmation. Insurance is optional.
Will ship internationally but please email for shipping quote.

To be featured next week:
  1. You must be a handmade crafter/artist with a shop either on Etsy or Artfire. (sorry no supplies)
  2. Leave a comment with a little bit about your shop and your favorite item you want featured with a link to your shop and item with...
  3. some constructive feedback for the featured item of that week you comment on for the seller/sellers of the post on their items and or shop in general.
  4. follow my blog and twitter! http://twitter.com/alwaysadorable
  5. tweet about the feature post!!!
Any seller can be featured whether you are a brand new seller with no/few sales or a seller who has had some success!
Thanks!

Monday, January 5, 2009

Keep 'em coming!

The comments and views are great for my feature that runs on Tuesdays for artisans trying to make a living in the crazy world and economy right now! Keep them coming.

As always, tomorrow is Tuesday and I will be featuring a new thing/seller of something has hasn't been seen for a while! Go to:

http://alwaysadorable.blogspot.com/2008/12/newbie-and-undiscovered-beauty-featured_29.html

to play as well! No artisan will be overlooked! I take time to look at each and everyone, you never know if I will pick you so leave a comment and follow my easy list of to-dos.

Friday, January 2, 2009

AMARYLLIS ACRYLIC ORIGINAL PAINTING-11X14 INCHES

The stunning Red duo of Amaryllis have been painted as an acrylic original painting on heavy weight 140 lb cold pressed, archival watercolor professional paper in watercolor style with professional grade Winsor Newton acrylic paints.

A photo did not seem like enough to capture this pair of Amaryillis after spending so much time growing them. Just as the blooms came into peek bloom, I set an evening aside to capture their beauty.

Measures 11 by 14 inches (27.9 by 35.6 cm) and has been signed, titled, dated and numbered. Ships in a protective plastic covering, wrapped in tissue paper as a gift from my shop to your home, in a priority box.



To purchase head over to Always Adorable Artfire.