Shop for handmade ornaments!

November 26, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Shoppers village

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By contributing columnist Megan Eckman aka Studiomme

Many of my friends graduated in May and this will be their first Christmas truly on their own. As such, this means I’ll be sending them all ornaments to decorate their trees or wreaths or the bundle of pipe-cleaners they’re calling trees.

My mother started a tradition when I was little to buy my brother and I an ornament a year so that when we move out, we will have enough to fill our first trees. That’s why I think it’s so important to buy unique, handmade ornaments that will become keepsakes.

When choosing an ornament for a friend, their household, as well as their personality, must be taken into account. Do they have small children? If so, make sure the ornament won’t shatter and has no sharp edges. Do they have pets? If so, shy away from ones made with edible or smelly materials. I had a gingerbread man ornament made from cookies that my cat decided to try and eat last year, so I’m one less decoration now. Are they vegan? If so, what materials went into the ornament? Small considerations like this will negate any incidents that could come up once the tree is decorated.

red-plaid

Etsy can certainly meet any and all of these needs and guarantee you a unique and creative ornament that will bring smiles for years.

circuit-board
You can also check out the Indiesmiles Coupon Directory for some great sales and discounts on many Holiday gifts!

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Pictures courtesy of:

“Live Moss Glass Ornament” by ShaneLilyRain

“Recycled circuit board ornaments” by DebbyAremDesigns

“Red plaid chubbikin ornament” by Erinaellis

20% Off with Coupon

January 15, 2009 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Headline

20 percent off from January 16 - 31 at select stores!

Most of the stores are offering 20% off with coupon code 20SMILES so test them out (please read the exact discount of each store. This information is place directly underneath their listing)! All art or handmade work direct from the maker.

Smiles Coupon Categories
accessories: textiles | jewelry | knitting | photography | supplies

Kreated by Kelly: Where buttons, fabric and paper come to play!!

Celebrating life, love and happiness is top priority for my shop and, therefore, you will find all sorts of whimsical accessories and pretties.
Save 20% from January 16-31 with code “20SMILES”!

Lost in the Forest: Enchanting jewelery & gifts

Unique hand made jewellery & gifts made from recycled & vintage finds. Inspired by love stories, fairy tales & faded glamour.

Save 20% from January 16-31 with code “20SMILES”!

Drag’n Rags by Jennifer Lynn Productions: Arty accessories that favor nature

I sell simple beaded jewelry and hand-sewn purses/handbags. (Bags coming soon!)
Save 20% from January 16-31 with code “20SMILES”!

Sea Star Dreams Designs: Beach Relics from faraway seas for your jewelry collection!

Each shell (or other beach relic) has been handpicked off a beach that I have traveled to or visited!
Save 20% from January 16-31 with code “20SMILES”!

Earrings by JuliaA: Handmade Earrings by JuliaA–lovely, feminine, classic.

My earrings combine classic elegance with modern flourishes to create style that goes with anything. The quality materials make them both beautiful and affordable. Available in your choice of colors and metals.

Save 20% from January 16-31 with code “20SMILES”!

Andrea Designs: Handmade Knit Designs
Do you want to be pamper, to look great and to be the center of attention? Wear a scarf or shawl from Andrea Designs!

Save 10%, get Free Shipping and a Free Pearl Bracelet from January 16-31 with code “20SMILES”!

McGuinness Photography: Photography for your naked- and not so naked – walls

Your one-stop for photography. Browse our vast collection of nature and everyday images.

Save 20% from January 16-31 with code “20SMILES”!

Tantalizing Stitches: DIY Supplies for Bags

Get your supply fix at Tantalizing Stitches! You can find large lobster clips, magnetic snaps, poly bags, knitting needles, and more.

Save 20% from January 16-31 with code “20SMILES”!

Free Shipping with Coupon!

November 20, 2008 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Headline

You will find wonderful handmade items from these indie shops which for a limited time offer free shipping from December 1-15!

SOME GENEROUS SHOPS HAVE offered to run the coupon ALL MONTH LONG!
They are marked in purple below.

Pancakes and Noodles: a little bit of everything

Pancakes and Noodles! is the whimsical work of 2 sisters. Our name speaks of the variety and range of our items which include artwork, accessories, jewelry, figurines, and more.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Tacky Handmade . . . from the past to the present

Unique embellished handbags, along with other accessories, Mom’s lovely crocheted items, plus my new line of Easy-on/Easy-off Jewelry!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Miss Knits: Handmade Accessories For All Your Needs

From knitting, crochet, felt, hand sewn, to jewelry, Miss Knits handmakes accessories that can fit all your needs! From her loving hands to yours!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Jean May Originals: Handcrafted Fashion Accessories & Home Decor

Beautifully handcrafted accessories for you and your home. All are original designs: no two are ever alike. Affordable fashion at its finest!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Perpetual Sunshine Creations: Hand Knotted Eco-friendly Jewelry

At Perpetual Sunshine Creations, all knotty creations are made with eco-friendly beads, such as natural stones, salvaged wood beads, vintage, & recycled. Time, patience & LOVE is dedicated to each piece.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Purly Girl Knits: Handknit accessories for you, your home and your favorite fur baby

Purlie Girl Knits features lvoing handknit accessories, specializing in scarves, wrist warmers and puppy couture.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

LolaLynn: ACEOs to go!

LolaLynn enjoys working in a variety of media: jewelry design, pottery, photography, and painting. Her specialty is ACEOs, miniature works of art measuring 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, and urban sea glass jewelry.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Veganosaurus: a dash of imagination…a touch of love

Miniature critters, monsters and animals. Hand sculpted with love and care out of clay. These little works of art carry the message of love, compassion and joy.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

C Mikel Designs: creating your vision

C Mikel Designs provides graphic and web site design services and creates logos, business cards and anything else to help your business market itself.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Visual Smiles Gallery: Handmade Whimsy!

Find delightful cats, angels, fish, inspirational, cards, prints, magnets and more at the Visual Smiles Gallery!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

EFA Team Store: 100% to the animals

The EFA Team Store offers a variety of handmade items contributed by members of EFA Artists Helping Animals.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Elephant Dance: crochet & greetings

Handmade and unique crochet and greeting cards where 15% of the proceeds go to PAWS-Saipan.org, an animal welfare organization in the Northern Mariana Islands.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Bitsy’s Greetings: Greetings & Gifts from Bitsy Creations

Brought to you by Bitsy Creations, Bitsy’s Greetings offers you beautiful handmade & personalized greetings and gifts including greeting cards, custom invitations, recycled stationery, photo cards, and tees for baby & toddler!
FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

ceejaybags: creative handcrafted accessories

Handbags, totes, wristlets and more in fun graphic prints and bold color combinations.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Bizzie Lizzie Bags: Not Just a Bag – Your Bag

At Bizzie Lizzie, named after her sweet daughter, bags are inspired by Charlotte’s innate personal desire to sew and create for you.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Skin Journey: Indulge in Luxury Skin Care

Indulge in the Skin Journey facial care line that sooths and conditions delicate facial tissue naturally. Travel around the world with the Skin Journey luscious line of body care products that will condition your skin leaving it smooth, hydrated, and youthful.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

All About The Buttons: Buttons make everything better!

To sustain her button addiction, All About the Buttons embellishes clocks, knit and crochet items, barrettes, pins, magnets and more with these little works of art. Custom work is welcomed.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Creative Borders: Handmade Photo Borders

Creative Borders offers photo borders for all of your wonderful memories. Both pre-made borders and custom orders are available.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Beaded Tail: We’re making tails wag one bead at a time!

Beaded Tail creates and offers beautiful beaded jewelry for animal lovers with a portion of ALL sales going to animal awareness causes!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

MY Never Ender: Clothing, Accessories & Art by Emerging Artists

Never Ender features unique handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories by emerging artists. Environmentally aware, these artists are dedicated to providing eco-friendly items and packaging.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Brandi Ann Designs: unique handmade jewelry

Handmade sterling silver jewelry made for you by Brandi Ann.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Moon of Glass: Original Fused Glass Jewelry – Artwork – Home Decor

Moon of Glass sells one of a kind fused glass pendants, home decor items, and artwork. All items are handmade from start to finish by artist Elizabeth Chandler.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Frenzy Studios: Beautiful Art Pendants

Frenzy Studios specializes in creating beautiful art pendants made of 2 inch x 2 inch glass squares. Each pendant is then given a protective high gloss resin coating. All pendants have a silver plated bail that will fit any chain or cord.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Perpetual Sunshine Creations: Hand Knotted Eco-friendly Jewelry

At Perpetual Sunshine Creations, all knotty creations are made with eco-friendly beads, such as natural stones, salvaged wood beads, vintage, & recycled. Time, patience & LOVE is dedicated to each piece.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

LolaLynn: ACEOs to go!

LolaLynn enjoys working in a variety of media: jewelry design, pottery, photography, and painting. Her specialty is ACEOs, miniature works of art measuring 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches, and urban sea glass jewelry.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Nyblaque: Designs created with light and love

Nyblaque offers affordable quality handmade hammered , wire wrapped, and eco-friendly jewelry inspired by many medians, cultures and styles. From my hands to your heart..

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Always Amy: Quicky, colorful, handmade jewelry!

Nostalgic handmade jewelry that will tickle your fancy! Colorful & quirky to add a splash of fun to your every day.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

All About The Buttons: Buttons make everything better!

To sustain her button addiction, All About the Buttons embellishes clocks, knit and crochet items, barrettes, pins, magnets and more with these little works of art. Custom work is welcomed.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

EFA Team Store: 100% to the animals

The EFA Team Store offers a variety of handmade items contributed by members of EFA Artists Helping Animals.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

Dog-On Wear: Dog Saddlepacks, Fashions and bedding

Dog-On Wear makes and offers handmade custom saddlepacks for all dogs, holiday collars, jester collars, bedding, and other doggie accessories.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Bitsy Creations: graphic design & supplies for your small business

Logo design, business cards, promotional items, fabric labels, hang tags

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

The Faerie Cupboard: The Faeries Say *VINTAGE* Rocks!

The Faerie Cupboard offers vintage supplies, with special emphasis on sewing buttons, to suit the needs and pocketbooks of everyone, from the most humble elf to the Faerie Queen herself!

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-15 with code “FREESMILES”!

The following stores are offering this coupon for the ENTIRE MONTH of DECEMBER. You may use code FREESMILES or FREESMILE2 on these stores!

Dog-On Wear: Dog Saddlepacks, Fashions and bedding

Dog-On Wear makes and offers handmade custom saddlepacks for all dogs, holiday collars, jester collars, bedding, and other doggie accessories.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Perpetual Sunshine Creations: Hand Knotted Eco-friendly Jewelry

At Perpetual Sunshine Creations, all knotty creations are made with eco-friendly beads, such as natural stones, salvaged wood beads, vintage, & recycled. Time, patience & LOVE is dedicated to each piece.
FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Frenzy Studios: Beautiful Art Pendants

Frenzy Studios specializes in creating beautiful art pendants made of 2 inch x 2 inch glass squares. Each pendant is then given a protective high gloss resin coating. All pendants have a silver plated bail that will fit any chain or cord.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Bizzie Lizzie Bags: Not Just a Bag – Your Bag

At Bizzie Lizzie, named after her sweet daughter, bags are inspired by Charlotte’s innate personal desire to sew and create for you.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Never Ender: Clothing, Accessories & Art by Emerging Artists

Never Ender features unique handmade clothing, jewelry, and accessories by emerging artists. Environmentally aware, these artists are dedicated to providing eco-friendly items and packaging.

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” or “FREESMILES2″!

Nyblaque: Designs created with light and love

Nyblaque offers affordable quality handmade hammered , wire wrapped, and eco-friendly jewelry inspired by many medians, cultures and styles. From my hands to your heart..

FREE SHIPPING from December 1-31 with code “FREESMILES” and “FREESMILES2″!

Showboat Smiles Program

October 24, 2008 :: Posted by - Sue :: Category - Headline

The Showboat program allows readers to learn more about you and the products you offer.  Once you join, we will contact you and ask you to provide us with a write-up that best describes you and your shop. Don’t worry if writing is not your forte: we can help you with this aspect to make sure that your feature is a success! So, become part of the Smiles program and become one of our limited number of rotating features on our front page! Please take a look at our past Showboat features.
Read over our various programs that we offer and become part of our coupon registry. Indiesmile’s showboat program will run for 1/2 month and will rotate between all of the featured shops for maximum exposure!

You will find that the showboat feature draws attention due to the rotating feature of our website (front page) a nice low cost way to get featured and accept the coupon…alll in one!

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