Handmade Gifts for Her

Looking for something to fill her stocking? Or just a little something for a friend? There are a few ideas that are all handmade by Fabulous Moms in the USA.

First is Michon, beautiful simple jewelry by Leah Ybarra. I love her earrings and own a couple of pairs right now. She loves silver and pearls, and this shows in her designs. Because she is also a mom she uses "non toxic" methods of metal work and many of her jewelry designs are baby-friendly (fun studs that are difficlut for little hands to grab.)


Another great item is andreabaker's Business Card Cozies. I love, love, love mine and I often get asked where I got it. I even use it as a small wallet sometimes, I'm amazed how much it holds. This is a great gift for anyone who has business card to carry around. She even has a listing for a Custom Business Card Cozy where you can choose the fabric and style you want. He shop is eclectic and full of beautiful things including Totes and handbags, aprons, hair accessories and more.

Lastly I want to show you valeriesgallery, a beautiful shop of classic knits and felted treasures. My most favorite items in Valerie's shop is her Felted Bowls and Vases. Her work is beautiful and her craftsmanship is just amazing. Each bowl is a unique piece of art and a great decorative gift. For those that like useful things for gifts, Valerie makes beautiful handmade Scarflettes and Scarfs. In her shop you can also find lovely felted handbags, wallets, jewelry, and hair ponies.


All these handmade artisan shops can be found on etsy.com. Etsy is a wonderful place to find gifts that are not found in those big box stores. I find it a great place to sell my photography at my LJDesignphoto fine art photography shop and to purchase great gifts.

Monday - a few things to celebrate.

I just realized that my last post "My Sweet Young Artist" was my 100th post. I really thought that I would be on my 200th by now, but I really haven't gotten going into a rhythm with my blogging yet and it always seems to get knocked way down on the to do list. I actually have some good ideas for post, but by the time I get to them the energy is gone. I seems to be an unfortunate side effect to being the mother of a preschooler and someone trying to lose weight and get in shape. I spend most of preschool time working out or doing chores. By the time I get to working and promoting my shop I'm tired and she is wanting my attention. It has not helped that we just when through flu season. It hit us hard this year because it was her first year in preschool. But I should celebrate my accomplishment and not dwell on what I had hope would be. You know those expectations can lead us to unhappiness if we let them, but only if we let them.

So lots of positive things to celebrate this Monday.

First of all, last week my online friend Leah of Michon Jewelry Blog and Michon Handcrafted Jewelry featured me on her blog. I was so wonderful of her and I really appreciated it. You can find the feature on my LJDesignPhoto shop here. I was part of her new feature where you recommend an etsy artist you admire. I recommended Valerie of Valeries Gallery and she posted Valerie's interview today. Valerie knits and felts things, but my favorite pieces of hers are her bowls. She make wonderful felted bowls and I have the pleasure of owning one.

Michon Jewelry Blog via kwout

I'd also like to mention that I have been working the last two and a half months to lose weight and get in to shape. I joined Weight Watchers and have been working out at least four times a week. I have lost 15 lbs and am now training for my first 5K. I'm really not a big fan of running, but it really feels good after my work out to have pushed myself so hard. My goal is still another 15 lbs away, I'm just so happy to be healthier. I really want to improve my health for my daughters sake and to give her a positive influence of eating right and exercise.

I'm not really a fan of this photo, but it was taken a couple weeks ago when I was down 12 lbs, but I wanted to post something to show my progress. I really hate to put up an older "fat" photo, but know I really am making progress and in a few weeks I will post another photo, maybe one of those classic, with my fat jeans on, images. LOL

And don't forget that this is my 101th post. And that I had 5 etsy sales last week. And that tonight is Mom's Night Out. I'm sure, I'm forgetting a couple of things.

So what are you celebrating this Monday (because everyday should have a positive edge to it)?

Handmade Prizes Galore with the FAM 1st Birthday Bash!!!!

You could win big just by finding some sweet cupcakes in participating shops and leaving a comment on FAM's blog. Simple as that. You can get extra entries by making a purchase from participating shops. Many shops, including my Fine Art Photography shop and my Handmade Cards shop, are having sales to celebrate.

40 artists have donated prizes, and they are all wonderful. Enter now because the celebration is only this week!

FAM Birthday Bash

For thoses FAMs, and anyone else who wants to blog about the First Birthday Bash here is the html code for the badge and it will take people to the FAM Blog when they click on it:



<a href="http://fam-fabulousartisticmoms.blogspot.com/" title="FAM 1st Birthday"><img border="0" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/3269990724_9c87dabc9a_o.jpg"/></a>

Sweet Givaway Winner is ...

After a long trip to the zoo yesterday, it took me a little bit to get it together this AM. So I'm posting the winner a little later then I had hoped.

Only twenty three names to write down this time, easy on the hand. After writing each name on a piece of paper and folding twice, my daughter and I put them all in our favorite blue bowl. She mixed them up and then picked just one.

And the winner is April of The Musings of The Momma. Congratulations April!!

You will receive the first print of Cupcake # 3 and four gift cards. I do hope you love them as much as I have loved making them.

And remember, these cupcakes were made specifically for FAM's First Birthday Bash where you could win so many amazing prizes made by many faboulous artistic moms. The birthday bash start on Feb. 15th so come back to see how to enter to win my cupcakes and more!!

Thank you to all who participated!!

Sweet Giveaway and Deal, Cupcake!

It is almost time for the Etsy Street Team FAM (or Fabulous Artistic Moms) to celebrate its first birthday, and what a celebration it is going to be. The theme is cupcakes and in response I thought I would offer as a prize in the scavenger hunt that fit the theme. So I went out and found a cute little cupcake, took some photos and now can't decide which one to offer as the prize.
So I thought I would let you choose. And to give you incentive to vote I'm going to make it into a giveaway.

Leave a comment letting me know which cupcake is your favorite and you could win a 8x8 print and four 3x3 gift cards of it. The most popular cupcake image will be the one I use as the prize for FAM's birthday bash. Comments will be open until Saturday, February 7 at 5 p.m. EST.

Want a second, third, fourth chance to win?
2. Blog about my giveaway, and leave a link in comments.
3. Twitter about this. Again, leave me a link so I know you did it.
4. Lastly, buy something from my Fine Art Photography etsy shop and put "Sweet" in notes to seller.

How do you know if you won? Check back on Sunday, February 9th to see who won. I will put each entry in a bowl and have my three year old daughter randomly pick a winner. It could be you. (I will also try to contact the winner, but if I can't and don't hear from them in 5 days I will pick a new winner. )

You want more? Maybe a sweet deal? How about 20% off any purchase in my LJDesignPhoto Fine Art Photography shop, just mention "Sweet" in notes to seller and you will get the discount and that extra entry to the giveaway. I will send you a revised paypal invoice, or a refund of you pay via paypal.

And what about FAM's Big First Birthday Bash? The celebration will start on Feb. 15th, so make sure to check back then for more details.

If your going to blog, here is a graphic to help you out:


<a href="http://ljdesignphoto.blogspot.com/2009/01/sweet-giveaway-and-deal-cupcake.html" title="giveaway"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ePILCYSg3vg/SXz6f5RUdMI/AAAAAAAAAhk/8j7xlqXII-E/s200/cupcakegiveaway.jpg" /></a>


A new post to announce the winner at:

And the Winner is.....

Free Gift Card with purchase today!!

More FAM wonderful deals.

Visit the FAM Blog for today's Gift Guide.

And these wonderful shops for today's special:
http://imaginethatinc.etsy.com/
http://jeweledelegance.etsy.com/
http://jewelryinfusions.etsy.com
http://ljdesigncards.etsy.com/
http://ljdesignphoto.etsy.com/
http://macaroniandglue.etsy.com/
http://mholland.etsy.com/
http://newenglandquilter.etsy.com/

What is the special?
**TODAY'S SPECIAL - December 2, 2008**
Free Gift Tag with Purchase - Please mention "Gift Tag" in notes to seller when checking out. Offer expires at midnight Etsy Time.

More info can be found on the our Etsy Forum Tread: On the 2nd day of FAM-Made my true love gave to me........Dec. 2 Surprise!

12 Day of December - Holiday Art and Handmade Gifts Speicals

Fabulous Artistic Moms (FAM) of Etsy's Holiday Gift Guide is now online. Each day a new theme and special deal will be posted. You can enter to win free FAM Bucks to be used in participating stores by purhcashing your Chirstmas gifts. Today you can be entered to win if you blog about the Gift Guide and Daily specials. Just go to FAM's Blog for more infomation.

I'm not sure what day I will be featured in, but most day I will be running a special that will be announced on the FAM Blog.

Today is last day of my Free Shipping on all Prints. Also, recieve 10% off any purchase over 50%.

And now to Announce a winner! And a Bonus!

This week has been a tough one, but has had some highlights like at the great entries to my giveaway. Why tough? Well, my daughter was sick a the start of the week and by Wednesday I was down and out myself. I'm so glad to have a small family so once we have all caught the cold or flu the sooner it is over.

But this isn't what you've come for, you're wonder, "Did I win? If not, who did?" You might even be wondering which print the winner choose. (And don't forget to check out the spectacular Bonus offer at the bottom of this post!!!!)

Let's start with getting ready to pick a winner. I spend part of my week cutting up small pieces of paper on my rotary cutter (this was paper with printer marks, or bends, that needed to be recycled in some way) and writing the names of each person who entered along with the number of the comment, just to be sure I had the correct name in case of repeats.
I put these into my favorite blue bowl, and thought, wow 113 doesn't look like a lot in this bowl. This AM, after the last entry was in I asked my DH (darling husband) to mix them up really good.
Then I asked my DD (darling daughter) to pick one out of the bowl and show me what it said. (Cute outfit isn't it? Traci of iSassy custom made it for her. She loves it.)
And the Winner is:
Misty!!!! Let me know your address via email so I can send you your prize.

And what did Misty choose? My Bleeding Hearts Limited Edition Print.Thank you to everyone who Participated!!! I have really enjoyed your wonderful comments.

AND NOW FOR THE BONUS!!!!

I would like to offer 20% off any purchase over $10 from my etsy store, including special orders, though the end of August. Just use the code "JulyGiveAway" in the notes to seller, and don't pay until I send you a revised invoice. Also, any purchase from now until Aug. 10th will give you an entry into the FAM B2S Treasury hunt where you could win $100 in FAM bucks to use in participating FAM stores, including mine. Visit the FAM Blog for more information.

SALE and a SECRET

It is happening again! T10T (aka Take Ten Tuesday). Get 10% or more off some great hand made items and artwork. Check out our FAM blog on Tuesday, July 15^th for all the stores participating.

I’m having a take 10% off sale on July 15, 2008 between 5:00PM EST and Midnight EST. And if your purchase comes to $25 or more you receive a FREE 5x7 of your choice. You need to remember to put T10T in the notes to seller when you make your purchase and I will send you a revised invoice to pay (so don't pay right away.)

I’m also putting secrets in a few of my listings. These secrets will be Free (just pay shipping) or offered at a deep discount. See my store announcement for details.

And here is my newest listing. A special of two 5x7 prints of beautiful red Gerber Daisies. You save $4 over the individual price if you buy this listing.

Looking for a Sale this weekend?

Come and visit my Etsy store for 25% off my regular prices, discount taken off after you contact me with "MMSale" in notes to seller (I will send you a revised invoice.) Spend $30 or more and receive a free 5 x 7 of your choice.
I don't offer deals like this very often, so come and take advantage.

Most of FAM, that is the Fabulous Artistic Moms of Etsy, are also offering discounts in their stores this weekend. See our promotional thread for more a list of stores.

Happy Memorial Day!!! Have a great long weekend!

Photo is taken at Roy's in Amboy,CA on Route 66.

The Grid: online art project

Are You? If your an artist you can join too. Daydream Art Studios recently stared The Grid and she describes it as:

"This is a fun experiment for artists of all genres to join together and see what happens. Get in on the ground floor of this project and have fun watching it grow!! I am compiling a database of mini images of artist works from around the globe. My goal is a grid of 100 images."

Participating is simple just click here for more info.

Something to hold those cards in! Fabulous!

When I ordered new business cards last week I need something to hold and protect them in my purse. There are so many options out there, but I knew I wanted something homemade, easy to use, and fun.


I found the perfect card holder in Andrea Baker's etsy shop. Her business card cozies are great and you can custom order them so that you get something that matches your personality. They also hold around 40 standard cards and fit nicely even in a small purse. She hand makes each one and the quality of her work is fabulous. I couldn't be happier.

T10T With FAM

I said Take 10 Tuesday!

That's right, the FAM Etsy Street Team is having another fabulous promotion and this time it's take 10% (or whatever!) off in any of our participating shops!

Beginning at 5:oo pm EST (through midnight Pacific time) on April 22, 2008 the FAM Street Team of Etsy will hold it's first team-wide sale. Each store will have it's own twist on the sale, so please be sure you understand the store's policy when shopping.

In addition to the sale, some of our shop owners have hidden a little T10T secret in some of our listings! Come join us on the Etsy "Etc." forum for clues on where to find our hidden secrets! The item that has T10T hidden in either the text or image will be Super Reduced! Please check with the store owner on their Secret special specifics.

As of the time of publication, the following FAM Team stores are participating:

http://chamberrycherry.etsy.com

10% off anything in my shop, includes custom orders

*

http://Valeriesgallery.etsy.com
10% all items between 5 pm and 11 pm. Note FAM T10T in note to seller and adjusted invoice will be sent.

*

http://BlueRidgeTreasures.etsy.com

FAM T10T
10% off any purchase of $10 or more. Please put FAM T10T in notes to seller and wait for an adjusted invoice.

*

http://elegancewithflair.etsy.com

Earrings ship FREE to the United States in my Jewelry Shop! Get 'em while they're hot!

Because... you'll want 'em when they're not!

*

http://anniehowes.etsy.com

Take 10% off everything in my shop!
Please put T10T in Comments to Seller to be eligible for discount. I will send a revised invoice. And come look for my T10T secret hidden in one of my items! Thank you!

*

http://pandys.etsy.com and http://griffingear.etsy.com

I will offer 10% off the purchase of one item, 20% off the purchase of 2 items and free shipping on purchases of $50 or more. This offer is good for both pandys and GriffinGear and items from both shops can be combined for the free shipping.

Put T10T in notes to seller and I'll send a revised invoice.

*

http://carissablack.etsy.com

I am in! 10% off everything in my shop. Please put T10T in notes to seller and wait for a revised

*

http://motherspreciousgems.etsy.com

Write FAM T10T in your notes to seller and wait for revised invoice before completing transaction with payment.

*

http://macaroniandglue.etsy.com

FAM T10T
10% off any purchase. Please put FAM T10T in notes to seller and wait for an adjusted invoice.

*

http://cuteandsweet.etsy.com

10% off everything in my shop!

Please put "T10T" in Comments to Seller to be eligible for discount. I will then send a revised invoice. Thank you!

*

http://merkabajewelry.etsy.com

From 5PM to 11PM Eastern, take 10% off entire purchase and enjoy free US shipping. Just put FAM T10T in notes to seller at checkout and I'll send a revised invoice through PayPal. Thanks :)

*

http://sweetpicklespottery.etsy.com

Take 10% off everything in my shop. Put FAM T10T in notes to seller and I will send a revised invoice through Paypal.

*

http://www.wysiwigs.etsy.com

10% off any item purchase of $5.00 or more
-OR-
BOGO - Purchase a pencil sketch print and choose one (1) complimentary Critter Notecard
**Please be sure to put FAMT10T in your notes to the seller - Thank you!

*

http://bamdesigns.etsy.com

Get 10% off your purchase- even custom orders- when you add FAM T10T in notes to seller. Please wait for revised before paying!

*

www.doubledippedsweets.etsy.com

Buy one get one 1/2 off! Please put "FAMT10T" in notes to seller and wait for a revised invoice! Have fun shopping!

*

http://reneesfashions.etsy.com

10% Off $20 or more purchase and a FREE gift with purchase. Be sure to put FAM T10T in buyer notes.

*

http://prettybowtique.com

Take 10% off everything in my shop!
Please put T10T in Comments to Seller to be eligible for discount. I will send a revised invoice. Thank you!

*

http://littlesomethingextra.etsy.com

Take 10% off everything. The first person to buy over $30.00 of merchandise gets a free custome order of washcloths.

Enjoy your shopping:)
* be sure to mention T10T in your comments to seller and wait for the adusted invoice to be elegible for the discount.

*

http://antoinettes.etsy.com

Take 10% off everything in my shop!
Please put T10T in Comments to Seller to be eligible for discount. I will send a revised invoice. Thank you!

*

http://nikkisnacs.etsy.com

Take 10% off everything in my shop including custom orders!
Please put T10T in Comments to Seller to be eligible for discount. I will send a revised invoice. Thank you!

*

http:// ljdesignphoto.etsy.com

Take 10% off everything in my shop and any custom orders!
Spend $30 or more and receive a free 5x7 of your choice.
Please put T10T in Comments to Seller to be eligible for discount. I will send a revised invoice. Thank you!

Also, there is a secret in my shop!

*

http://studiodusoleil.etsy.com

10% off purchases under $50 and 15% off purchases over $50.
Please reference T10T in your comments to receive a revised invoice.

*

http://www.michon.etsy.com

10% off & free shipping if you buy more than one item. FAM T10T in notes to seller.

*

http://www.cindyjoy.etsy.com - Take 10% off everything in my shop, includes custom orders and sale items!
Please put FAM T10T in Comments to Seller to be eligible for discount, and wait for me to send a revised invoice through PayPal. Thank you!

*

http://judyk.etsy.com

Take 10% off everything in my shop!

Please put T10T in Comments to Seller to be eligible for discount. I will send a revised invoice. Thank you!

There will be a secret in my Shop!

*

http://newenglandquilter.etsy.com

Take 10% off all purchases in my shop. Mention "FAM T10T" in notes to seller and I will send you a revised invoice! There's a secret in my shop!

FAM Spring Fling WINNER!!

The FAM Spring Fling has been a real success! We had over 50 participants in the last 2 weeks! I want to thank each and every entry for being a part of this Fabulous Spring Fling event! Winners will be contacted within the next week with your unique FAMBucks Codes along with instructions on how to redeem them in participating FAM stores on Etsy.

The following Etsy members are the winners of the
2008 Spring Fling Event!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER

$50.00

kutekipboardsbyamy

RUNNER UP

$20.00

twigsandberries

wdtine

oliebear

HONORABLE MENTION

$10.00

bufcharindy

backwoodsophisticate

melismatic

randa614

dayleesmom123

cblandcompany

skykhan

eleniz

jenlea76

eleniz

MissKnits

salla

hollylynn198

amyyyjosh

ana4sc

mymaeknits

cowboydehart

ChubbyTrubbys

designedbyRJ

Thank you again for your participation and for making this Scavenger Hunt such a success and so much fun!!!

Fabulous Artistic Mom's Spring Fling Event is Here!!!!

Are You Ready?
Then lets Play!!!

A little Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt promotional game FAM-style, where each of us have hidden a little green frog in one of our Etsy listings, or find the text “famfrog” in the item description. All you need to do is find one of those frogs in five different participating shops, submit your answers to BAMDesigns and you’ll be entered to win one of several FAMtastic prizes! In addition to the FAM Spring Fling Scavenger Hunt, all purchases made through the participating FAM Shops on Etsy (please scroll down for shop links) will automatically be entered in the drawing.

HOW TO PLAY:

Each participating Etsy store has hidden the image of our FAM Frog or the text “famfrogs” in one or more of their listings or listing photos. Find the frog image or text in 5 participating shops and be entered for a chance to win! All purchases made from participating shops during the promotion will also be entered into the drawing.

Send your guesses to: BamDesigns on Etsy and include the following information:

- Your Name
- Your Etsy Username
- The URL to the item where you found the frog!
- You need just one frog from 5 different shops!

Drawing will be held on March 26, 2008. The winners will be notified by convo or email. All entrants agree to have their names announced in the Etsy forums and on blogs.

PRIZES:

The prizes being awarded are FAM Bucks which are coupons used in participating FAM stores on Etsy. FAM Bucks are codes that entitle the bearer to receive discounts in participating FAM stores. FAM Bucks allow the winner to choose their prize from participating FAM stores!

Grand Prize: $50
Runner Up (x3): $20
Honorable Mention (x19): $10

Participating FAM Spring Fling shops on Etsy:

LJDesignPhoto
AndreaBaker
AnnieHowes
Antoinettes
Beanhank
TadaDesigns
ChamberryCherry
CraftMom
MacaroniAndGlue
KrystalMoon74
ASugarAffair
Luv4Sams
ElegantSnobbery
StudioDuSoleil
SewingGranny
PrettyBowtique
BamDesigns
TraciSase
ValeriesGallery
NikkisNacs
CraftyBagsEtc
AbleMabel
NewEnglandQuilter
Winklepots
MerkabaJewelry

I'm offering an extra bonus for those who purchase from my shop during the spring fling. A free note card for each item purchased.


Now lets get going and play!!!!