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Xmas in July – Part II

July 23, 2010 :: Posted by - rebecca :: Category - Artfire Studios, Etsy Spotlight, Headline, New Columnists, Zibbet Spotlight, showboat features

xmasnJulyweb

Part II by Contributing columnist Rebecca aka Raige Creations

Slide photo courtesy of All About The Buttons

Normally I am the type who embraces summer with no thoughts of the winter, cold, snow, or holiday shopping. Christmas is the last thing on my mind. I usually don’t even think of buying Christmas gifts until after Thanksgiving. Even then it is just a ’something I should think about doing soon’ sort of thought. Before I know it, Christmas is 2 weeks away and I NEED to start shopping. Those days are full of grasping, arguing about what to get, and quick! Needless to say, stress and desperation are the feelings that prevail until December 26th. Inevitably, I end up with generic, meaningless gifts that are relegated to the ‘donate’ bag by Easter. Year after year, I make a vow not to repeat these actions again. Yet while soaking up the sun and wasting away the lazy days of summer, I came to the realization that I was on the path to make the same mistake again this year. The rays of the sun and the sounds of nature reassured me there was still plenty of time. But then there was talk of Christmas in July by retailers. “Christmas? Now?” I thought. “Too soon!”, the sun tried to convince me. But after some contemplation, maybe this wasn’t a bad idea. Perhaps, just perhaps, the seasonal spell which had seemingly been cast, had falsely assured this weather would last. Logic crept in and started eating away at my summer fantasies. Not willing to completely surrender to reality, I managed to make my way to the house for the laptop to casually surf the web as I returned to worship the sun.

I found that Christmas in July celebrations can be traced back to 1933 in North Carolina. It didn’t take long after for the retail world to take advantage of this marketing opportunity in a time of generally slow sales. The first mention of Christmas in July in advertising was back in 1950, specifically “It’s Christmas in July at Browning King” (advertisement), The New York Times, July 20, 1950, p. 16. (Thank you Wikipedia) Since then, various retailers have used this campaign to stimulate sales, and the community of Handmade sellers are no different.

browningking

Sellers of Handmade and vintage items through most venues have completely embraced this tool, and you will be happy to find wonderful deals on all kinds of treasures. Off one wave, onto another as I surf some of my favorite sites and found a few unexpected discoveries.

To get in the Christmas spirit, perhaps some Nostalgic Victorian Childrens Christmas Gift Tags, by Southern Ladys Vintage. Gift tags are one of the things which we all need but never remember to buy until the last minute – or is that just me?

Vintage Christmas Tags

Let’s not forget the necessities for entertaining family and friends that is usually ’slim pickings’ in the weeks before Christmas. Green plastic plates usually adorn my table by default as festive serving dishes are always a last minute thought. But not this year. Resetar Glass Art Studio has a great solution, a White Christmas Tree Fused Glass Plate. Perfect for the hors d’oeuvres to go with the wine or the pastries and eggnog.

White Glass Christmas Tree Plate

Speaking of wine, it would be nice to have an accessory to go with that too. These Wine Sock Bags by Catfluff, are also on sale for Christmas in July. The beauty of these is they can be used all fall, winter, or whenever, or even make great gifts for someone on your list.

Recycled Sweater Wine Sock Bags in Autumn Colors

Gift giving is a part of Christmas that we should look forward to, but for some, the mass produced commercial bombardment of options have left us dreading the shopping experience. For me, it has been particularly discouraging as I normally scramble to find something at the last minute at the nearest Super Center that the recipient would even want. I have discovered the Christmas in July sales provide the means to shop without the normal stressors of shopping in December. I can casually browse online and buy beautiful, handmade items made with care and full of meaning, without the crowded lines, the inevitble panic and grasping – and get a great deal!

Herb Gardening Planter

I like to give gifts with significance to an individual that can be used year round. This Herb Gardening Planter, by AndrewsReclaimed on Etsy, is perfect for those people that love fresh herbs. Just pick up this set (BOGO sale!), either plant their favorite herbs or include a few packs of seeds, and it’s a gift that gives well past Christmas. That’s 2 gifts done in a single purchase.

What about those that are difficult to buy for? Yes, I know we all have them on our list, and it is particularly difficult because you have to get something for each one. This solution may be just the thing. A Catchall for all the little things they bring home and throw on the nearest table, or placed somewhere and forget where it was. Now they can can have a dedicated spot for such necessities or eccentricities. One can hope to achieve organization. A few family members of the male gender come to mind and would certainly benefit from more than one of these. Feltplanet is offering these great organizers in many colors and sizes of for any style and taste.

Small Felt Bowl Catchall

Rounding out the list are those teens who want everything new and trendy and cool. Those that fall into that category on our lists by far cause the most stress at Christmastime, not to mention the rest of the year. But a small token to let them know we ‘get it’ is usually appreciated. This Goth Rock Chic Skellington Cell Phone Charm, by itsmythingdesigns on Zibbet, might do the trick.

Goth Rock Skellington Cell Phone Charm

So now that I fully embrace Christmas in July and buying Handmade and Vintage, I encourage you to do the same. These are just a few examples of the variety and abundance of unique items that I stumbled upon browsing the Christmas in July Sales. Imagine what you you will be able to find. Rest assured, it will be a holiday season without the stress of frantic shopping! This year I am actually looking forward to wrapping meaningful, one of a kind gifts for those special people on my list. I never thought summer would include such pleasant thoughts of Christmas. This is definitely going to become part of my summer routine. And remember the sunscreen!

Don’t forget to check out Nikkie’s Part I on Christmas In July specials, artfire studios,Zibbet and Etsy spotlights for more great shops that may be having special summer promotions.

Edited by Barbra aka: All About The Buttons

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Gelert Design

May 10, 2010 :: Posted by - amyorangejuice :: Category - Amy Orange Juice, Folksy Favs, Headline, Shops to Watch!, showboat features

By Contributing Columnist AmyMark aka AmyOrangeJuice

I have written lots of articles lately about business stuff and I thought it was about time I chose an artist from the vibrant Folksy community. Folksy has lots of high quality sewn and jewellery items, but hiding in the listings are also an amazing array of fine art artists and this week I have been chatting to Gelert Design.
GD primarily produces 3D works cast in a variety of mediums from his original sculptures; on Folksy, Esty and also for merchandise for a British rock band called New Model Army. So lets get to know this friend of the celebrities better!

Please tell us a bit about yourself:

As a child I was always drawing. I went to art school but it was such a disappointment that I gave up on the Romantic idea of the painter living in poverty in his studio. So I travelled around a bit, exploring the world and trying different jobs. I kept painting and sculpting occasionally but never seriously. It was a rewarding way of giving loved ones gifts and nothing more.
I was diagnosed with ME/CFS around 15 years ago and struggled to stay in employment for long periods. Then last summer, when I had to give up work yet again because I was struggling to get out of the house and approaching 40 I had to have a serious think about what I was going to do.
The creative impulse is always at it’s strongest with me when going through a period of emotional turmoil. Girlfriend leaves? Write a song. New girlfriend appears? Paint her portrait. Feeling useless, I started to make stuff again. I had some savings and a very supportive partner, so I took a chance and invested it all in materials with a view to maybe making some of it back. I’m not sure I have yet, but I’m getting close!
I’ve realized that with a worldwide recession, being nearly 40 and unable to commit to being in the office by 9 tomorrow morning, I would struggle to find work. So Gelert Design was born.

How did you come up with such an original name?

I took the name from the Welsh legend of Gelert. It’s a tale of fidelity and tragedy (which I won’t go into here).

What is the inspiration behind your work?

The aim is to create something just a little bit different to what is already available in whatever medium I use, to make things that excite me and that I think are beautiful; things that I would want to buy. I am filling a niche between art and craft. I want most of my larger items to be the focal point of your room. Being frequently housebound and staring at the walls, I endeavour to make things that will repay being looked at for long periods – objects that you won’t get bored with.

How did you get into casting?

I was always aware that making prints of my paintings was the best way to make money from art, as not many people were willing to pay me for the time it took to create something. When making things in the round, it was the obvious step to find a way of making “prints” of my sculpture.

What is the process you use?
I carve an original from plaster (or model in clay). Then I make a silicone rubber mould from it. From there I can cast very accurate copies. Most of my castings are in resin, and I like the coldcast process whereby powdered metals are suspended in the resin giving the look and feel of foundry casting but at a fraction of the weight and cost. Although I have tried other casting materials, I find resin to be best for price, strength, capturing detail, and most importantly, weight.

What was the first thing you cast?

I have a vague memory of casting a Beatrix Potter character in plaster from a latex mould as a child. I don’t think it worked
I decided at the end of 2009 to do something seriously with my art and it was then I made a lifecast bust of my partner. This was a very steep learning curve. I used alginate for the mould with plaster bandage to support it. An original was cast in plaster. This was then carefully altered and finished to a porcelain smooth finish. I made a new silicone mould from that and cast with bronze resin.
It was perhaps a foolish undertaking having never before done any lifecasting, used alginate, plaster bandage, silicone, resin, or metal! Still, the finished piece was amazing and I’m so glad I did it. It has opened so many doors for me – I can finally do something with my life that enjoy.

What is the hardest thing you have done?

It would probably be the bust. Just because it uses so many materials and techniques I have never tried before. The horrific expense, risk of killing my partner or myself, the danger of destroying our home…! If something doesn’t work for me, I can get very disillusioned and depressed, so to complete the bust was a real challenge and ultimately very rewarding.

What is the weirdest thing?

I tend to play it safe. As the ultimate goal is for my craft to support me, I always consider the marketplace. Having said that, I know there is a massive market out there for adult orientated goods. Since I’m only selling on handmade sites, I can’t really get away with creating some of the more bizarre ideas I’ve got floating around in my head. However, I did make a cute fridge magnet from a lifecasting of a nipple. It’s available from my Etsy store, but I’m sure there’s a proper market for it somewhere – I just need to find it!

What are you proudest of?

Sorry for sounding like a stuck record, but again it’s the bust; for all the reasons above plus It’s what I personally would be drawn to in a gallery. Then there’s my first wholesale customer. I’ve been a fan of the cult rock band New Model Army for over twenty years and when I started making fridge magnets it occurred to me that it was a merchandising opportunity. I made some prototypes, sent them to the band, and they immediately placed an order. It’s a great feeling when you can have some sort of involvement with your teenage heroes.

What’s next?

Next is more of the same: more plaques, more brooches, more items similar to the fairy door. I’ve got too many items that aren’t really Gelert Design somehow, so there’s going to be a rationalization of the range before too long. I’ve got a few outlets I need to contact about stocking some of the items that will be delisted. Then I’ll set about stocking my shop with items similar to my best sellers.

Also, I’m going to try a whole new craft. Being able to produce copies of my work is a dream come true in many ways, but there’s something I’ve always wanted to try and that is stained glass. People tell me my paintings have something of stained glass in them, and I see the inspiration in the cold enamelling I do on my brooches. So I’ll be trying that very soon. I have some grand ideas. But even if I really get into stained glass, I think casting will remain my main interest. There’s a little spark of excitement that comes with de-moulding a cast that doesn’t seem to diminish. Most other craft forms have the piece developing before your eyes, but when your original is plaster and you finally reveal a copy in bronze… wow.

Where else other than folksy can we find you?

Nowhere really. I like Folksy. I have a shop on my Facebook page www.facebook.com/gelertdesign

Any tips for success for people who want to try and have a go themselves?

Research, research, research! The range of materials and techniques is vast. There isn’t a one-stop-shop I have found that can answer every question. There are various ways of doing everything, but with resin there seems to be just one that is ideal for just what you are making. It’s expensive so you can’t afford to experiment. It’s dangerous, so you can’t afford too many mistakes. Alginate and some resins have a working time of just a couple of minutes. You need to know what you are doing.

Be prepared and be organized or you’ll run out of time. Without an expensive vacuum degasser silicone can be full of air bubbles. It’s incredibly expensive stuff and you don’t want to ruin your mould. There are tricks you can use to get by. There are different hardnesses on the Shore scale for rubber. Choose the right one.

Plaster, if used incorrectly, can result in 3rd degree burns and amputation. Polyester resin gives off very toxic styrene fumes the catalyst is corrosive. Get your mixing ratios wrong and you’ve got a poisonous fire going on! Metal powders are dangerous in their own right. Aluminium in particular is very explosive.
So yes, do your research and be prepared. YouTube is a great resource for mould-making and casting.

Thank you very much Gelert Design for offering us a window on your highly skilled area of art. You have given us a brilliant snap shot of the complexities of what you do!

http://www.folksy.com/shops/gelertdesign

Please go check out Gelert’s shops on Folksy, Etsy or Facebook and get a piece of art at an affordable price before he gets all famous and extremely expensive!

Edited by Bette Miles-Holleman aka BadMsM

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Crafty Men

May 08, 2010 :: Posted by - Connie :: Category - Artists helping others, Folksy Favs, Headline, Konnie Kapow, Shops to Watch!, showboat features

By contributing columnist Connie of KonnieKapow on Folksy

Where The Boys Are, Part 1

I recently had the pleasure of meeting some of the few male crafters and artisans of Folksy, charming gents they are!

Crafting is undeniably associated with women who pass their specialist craft down through the generations. Most people I know who knit for example were taught by their grandmother or mother. I know lots of people (all women) who learned to sew the same way or at school. Crafty women, especially now during the craft revival, are everywhere but where are the guys? I know men can knit! My Dad can, he told me! I’m yet to see the evidence but there exists a small and somewhat lopsided red dog made from buckram of which he is very proud!

Are fishing nets not a form of knitting? Were these not handmade at some point? I’m certain they were at least mended by hand on board. Surely it must have been men who did this? Obviously knitting’s not the only craft in existence but it’s a good starting point for discussion… I heard a rumour that Russell Crowe knits…..?

The purpose of this series of interviews is to try and shed some light on the men of Folksy, why do they do what they do and ultimately, why don’t more men craft?!

So kicking off my series of interviews in style is the lovely Dave a.k.a. The Nosuch Disco

Name: David Burgess

Age: 30

From: Stoke on Trent

Favourite colour: Black

Favourite animal: Cat

Favourite band: Queen (they rule so so so so so so so much)

Favourite movie: Highlander

Favourite book: Oscar Wilde – The Picture of Dorian Gray

How did you learn your craft?

I suppose I learnt my craft out of the ashes of a failed career as a Graphic Designer. I really wasn’t very good; I simply couldn’t design flyers for washing machines or take away menus. Eventually I got sacked and took up a role teaching design to disadvantaged kids, it was about this time that I was able to develop a style of illustration that I was happy with, and began to come up with characters that would be suitable for a book. From there everything seemed to flow quite organically. About a year later, Waldo the Worm was born.

Your eureka moment – what is your favourite thing you have ever made?

I suppose it would be the book, it was a long time in the making and it’s really something to be proud of. I hate blowing my own trumpet, but it is pretty good. That said, I do like one of my posters, the Toast one, the idea came to me and I made it in about 5 minutes. I really like how sometimes great ideas can just come to you and develop into something rapidly.

Your “D’oh!” moment – what was your biggest crafting disaster?

I bought 100 mugs and they were really poor quality, I fired a design onto them and it ending up looking really dull and was flaking in places. I tried to turn it into a positive – I knew I couldn’t possibly sell them – so before I moved out of my old house I went out at 4am one morning and planted loads of mugs on the door steps of the nearest 100 houses, sort of a mystery present for everyone.

Is crafting what you do full time or do you have a Clark Kent style alter-ego?

Unfortunately it is a part time thing here. I still have to teach during the day, it certainly gets in the way of crafting. I hope to one day go full time with my craft but until then I still have to look after unruly kids!

Where do you do your crafting?

Wherever possible, I might try to sneak in a crafty craft while at work, or when I’m on my dinner. Other than that Friday nights are good as I can work late into the night. I find that I work better at night; it’s difficult to do that on a school night as I really have to shut my brain off by a certain hour or I can’t sleep.

Tell us a bit about your crafting philosophy (e.g. environmental, heritage, family, therapy!)

Errrrrm, I’m not sure I have one, other than; it’s only good enough when you’re 100% sure about it!

Why do you think there are far more female than male crafters?

Its not something I had given any thought to until now, I’m not sure I could give an answer without sounding ridiculously sexist! I think guys should defo craft, its something that is open to all and if they have the talent it is something that is worth exploring.

Tell us something surprising about yourself (non craft related)?

When I was 19, I accidentally set my car on fire outside my ex girlfriend’s house.

What’s the manliest thing you make?

Erm. I guess everything I do is supposed to be aimed at kids and be a bit unisex… but the posters are perhaps manly? Maybe? No?

What’s the least manly thing you make?

I’d say the scarf, although a few guys have bought them, so that’s encouraging!

What would you say to encourage more men to craft?

Ladies love a guy that can make stuff*

*not strictly true.

You can check out The Nosuch Disco on Folksy or Waldo the Worm’s Website!

Edited by Bette Miles-Holleman aka BadMsM

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Andrea Designs

January 17, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - showboat features

Andrea W. offers unique shawls, scarves to enhance not only your wardrobe but to make you feel pamper and be the center of attention. All of this you can find at Andrea Designs.

I started knitting using two needles and crochet since I was in high school. When I was in college I learned to knit using a knitting machine. I was able to make from sweater to dresses. I worked as an instructor for the Singer knitting machine. I loved it. My classes were always full, my students learned from put the machine up to knit sweaters, baby dresses.

When I got married and came to the United States. I did not bring my knitting machine (big mistake). After years working as a Supervisor in a Call Center, I started missing knitting, and knowing that in the great US people really value handmade products, I started to think about to create my small business designing sweaters and sell them. I started to look for a knitting machine, realizing they are so expensive. Finally I got one. I started doing shawls and scarves. I learned where to get the yarn, however also I started finding beautiful yarn that I could not use in my knitting machine, then I started again knitting using the two needles designing scarves, shawls, ponchos, baby jackets, shrugs to be able to use these beautiful yarn.

I am a Supervisor in a Call Center, I am bilingual. I love to read in both languages English and Spanish. I love to translate, that help a lot at work. I have a wonderful husband, we are a team. I live in the great state of Texas. One of my dreams is to have an alpaca ranch or farm to be able to spin my own alpaca yarn.

I am fascinated with my craft, I love yarn, I love to work with fine yarn like alpaca, angora, merino, cashmere. I like so much when a person see my product and tell me “wow it is so beautiful”; reason one of my scarves I name THE WOW SCARF. They are made of 2 thread of peruvian alpaca yarn, could be a combination of French or Italian acrylic and to finish the border of the scarf is finish by crochet using a French acrylic that feels and looks like fur. The end product is so soft, warm and beautiful.

I tried to create every night, when it is possible. However I need inspiration to do it. My inspiration is the yarns by themselves; when I look at them, in my mind I am seeing combination of colors, textures. If somebody wants me to do something for them my inspiration will be that person, I will look how she dress, her personality, I will ask what she is looking for and provide her with what I am thinking for her. My motto is my customer satisfaction.

You can visit her lovely Artfire shop here:

www.AndreaDesigns.Artfire.com

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Lost in the Forest

January 15, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - showboat features

Lost in the Forest started when Emily found herself back at home in the isolated Scottish country side after graduating from art school. Whilst looking for an outlet for all the things she was making, she stumbled upon Etsy.com, and loved the community and ease of use and started to list things. She has never looked back!

Emily has a background in Fine Art and textiles. She creates one of a kind and short runs of unusual jewelery and accessories from recycled papers and vintage fabrics, beads and other bits and pieces she finds on her travels.

Her inspirations include childhood memories, fairy tales, love stories, and song lyrics as well as the raw materials themselves.

She can often be found rummaging for treasure in charity shops and antique shops around Edinburgh, where she now lives. Reusing, recycling, and reinventing materials is important to Emily. Besides the environmental concerns, she loves the fact that they have a mysterious history that her customers will continue to re-write!

You can keep up to date with happenings in the forest by checking out Emilys blog at http://lost-in-the-forest.blogspot.com.

You can find Emily’s store at http://lostintheforest.etsy.com.

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McGuinness Photography

January 15, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - showboat features

McGuinness Photography – a husband and wife team — offers quality photographs, available as greeting cards and with or without a mat /frame. Celebrating their recent one year anniversary on Etsy.com, Jen and Rob decided to expand their internet presence with the launch of their Artfire.com shop. “While our primary focus is nature, we offer a variety of images in our Etsy and Artfire shops.”

Select items in their Etsy shop benefit animal charities, their favorite being 3bunnies.org, a local rabbit rescue. Together, they combine their talents to offer stunning black and white and bright, colorful images. During the summer months, the couple joins forces with Jen’s business partner Lauren Tagliatela and tour as TM Creative, which was founded in 2007.

In addition to photography, Jen also creates crystal sun catchers for use in cars and windows. Jen combines quality beads with various crystals. The sun catchers started as a fun project last year, and are slowly expanding into their own portion of the shop. Jen says, “They’re a lot of fun to create, and offer a different way for me to be creative.”

You can find McGuinness Photography on Etsy and Artfire at:
http://jmcguinness.etsy.com
http://mcguinnessphotography.artfire.com

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Sea Star Dreams

January 15, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - showboat features

Store not available

Sea Star Dreams specializes in lovely, handmade shell jewelry by artisan Susan Rosen of Dagsboro, DE (co-founder of IndieSmiles).

Susan says:

I’m always the happiest when I’m by the water. I live near the beaches in Delaware and usually travel to a beach area to get away from it all! One of my favorite activities is searching for the perfect shell or relic that has washed up ashore and would be perfect for Sea Star Dreams creations!

Each shell (or other beach relic) has been handpicked off a beach in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Nags Head NC, Florida, Bethany Beach De, or another beach that she has traveled to or visited!

Susan takes the beach relics and adds embellishments to them to provide dimension, color and character, like the beginnings of a blank canvas. Each design is different and will never be recreated so every Sea Star Dream Design is one of a kind!

You may find beach stones, shells, genuine fresh water pearls, and cape may diamonds in her creations. Susan will also add earth stones if she feels the color and dazzle is right! In some cases, stone chips and/or glitter is added to the piece.

Please feel free to visit Sea Star Dreams anytime, and if you have any questions about a piece let Susan know.

You should also check out Susan at:

her blog: Izzy-It
and her etsy shops: Tacky Handmade and Tacky Back In Time.

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evilpotpourri

January 14, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - showboat features

Hi, I’m Jaimie and I’m the owner, operator, and craft maker of my little Evilpotpourri shop at Etsy. I got my start on ebay back in 2004 under the same “evilpotpourri” name. I still sell occasionally on that site.

Wondering where I got my name? That’s what happens when you strike up a deal with your teenage daughter and let her choose your fabulous new name in exchange for nightly dish washing! Sometimes I regret it. But then again, I’ve never had to worry about someone else using it.

I make and sell whatever strikes my fancy. Right now I’m into sewing which is great because I’m using up all the fabric Ive collected due to an out of control fabric addiction.

I think my arts and crafts reflect my personality. I love bright colors and tend to stay away from geometrical designs. I also have that “other” side of my personality that really digs skulls and crossbones and Goth type fabrics and art. I love the whimsical, cute, and mystical and fairys are a favorite.

I am married to the most wonderful and ever patient man! He never complains about how my crafts have completely taken over the living and dining room and as long as I sew him a quilt for his birthday he’s happy!

We have 4 children, 2 of whom are grown. We have 2 grand-babies. We love animals and are owned by 6 dogs, one cat, and an African Grey bird. I have a very special dog named Chloe who is deaf. She is the inspiration behind my other etsy store “chloesbowwowboutique“.

Mention that you saw me on Indiesmiles and get 10% off your order and Free Shipping!

Jaimie
my blog
Twitter
Myspace
Etsy shops: evilpotpourri and chloesbowwowboutique

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Bitsy Creations

November 09, 2008 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - showboat features

Bitsy Creations provides graphic design for your small business such as logo design, business cards, and promotional items. You’ll also find printed items such as fabric labels and hang tags!

When asked a little about herself, Joan told us:

I’ve been on Etsy for more than two years now and the strange thing is I don’t even remember how I originally found out about Etsy! I started out listing my hand-embroidered greeting cards, which turned into also listing my graphic design greetings. That snowballed into listing my graphic design services and supplies for other Etsy sellers. I’ve since opened a second Etsy shop called Bitsy Greetings and have tried to separate my custom designs from my greetings.

Many people comment how they enjoy my shops because my items are 100% customizable. I can create any graphic you need for your small business as well as provide you with supplies you’ll need, too. Hang tags, business cards, and fabric labels can all be found at BitsyCreations. But the fun thing is that I can do the same for your personal needs – Mommy Cards, photo greeting cards and announcements, and invitations can all be customized for you and are available at BitsysGreetings.

I’ve been crafting for as long as I can remember. I’m self taught in just about every aspect of my art–my degree is actually in Elementary Education. I grew up in Maryland, but am just now moving back here after 4 years of school in Idaho and four years of school for my husband in North Carolina so I’m excited to see what is available here for artists and crafters! I have a wonderful husband and two beautiful children, a daughter and a son.

Sue and El also asked Bitsy about some of her favorite movies and books and she responded with some great choices:

I have a hard time with favorites because I enjoy movies & reading so much just in general! . . . but movies: Stranger Than Fiction, Oceans 11, 12 or 13!, What Dreams May Come, Kate & Leopold. Books: Eats, Shoots & Leaves, The Kite Runner, Maya Angelou’s Poetry Collections.

You can find Joan on Etsy.com at http://bitsycreations.etsy.com/ and at her website. Also, take some time to read her interesting blog at http://bitsycreations.blogspot.com/.

Bitsy Creations accepts the Winter Wonderland Free Shipping Coupon from December 16 – 31!

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