Monday's Madness 4/30/12

I had a great time over the past week! The weather has been nice and my mood has been pretty good. I also managed to get a lot accomplished:) I finished up designing and making a bunch of labels for new products, got some product photos finished up and listed new products on my Etsy shop. I still have a ton of product photos to do but that is normal.

I did have one bummer this past week. One of the local shops that normally buys a big jewelry order from me every spring before opening might not be selling jewelry this year:( Total bummer for me since it is one of the big sales for spring! But that is just the way things go sometimes. She still is not sure. She says the store just doesn't move enough jewelry. I think the problem is she has a hard time displaying jewelry. I did buy 6 revolving jewelry racks and jewelry cards to hang my jewelry from them. I mostly bought them to use at craft fairs & flee markets but I offered to let her use some in her shop. So we will see... after all she is not sure yet.

Some of the New Items in my shop.....

Love Potion Solid Perfume Balm

Be Electrified Lightning Bolt Earrings

All Natural Blueberry Shimmer Lip Balm/ Cocoa Butter

The List of Mother's Day specials & sale found on Etsy

Here are some Mother's Day Specials from my shop. Plus I am offering FREE DOMESTIC SHIPPING on  all orders over $25 now through Mother's Day. Contact me through my shop before placing your order to get your free shipping.

Mother's Day Special -
All Natural Pamper Mommy Gift Set

Mother's Day Special-
 All Natural Mommy Foot Care Gift Set

Mother's Day Special-
All Natural Hamp & Cocoa Butter
Moisturizing body Cream & Ylang Ylang Goddess/Mother  soap

Here are Mother's Day specials and Sales from all around Etsy . Click the shops name to check out their shops.

Teal Jersey Knit Scarf/Shawl
 screen printed with metalic
copper leaves

Kraft Witch - Visit this wonderful shop to find romantic handmade one of a kind pendents, pins, silk screened scarves and shirts. She is offering  15% off  with coupon code HOTMAMA.

Sterling Silver Rose Quartz
Teardrop Earrings 

Grace Note Gifts- Her shop features handmade soy candles, jewelry, stationary, vintage items and more. She is offering 20% of use coupon code ILOVEMYMOM

Floral Mother's Day Basket from Destanys Candles
Looking for something unique to give you mom for Mother's Day? These baskets will give her months of good smelling delight!
A $95.00 value for only $37.10!

Form Chris O's Creations enjoy her shop of fantasy inspired jewelry, wonderful leather cuffs and more.
Use coupon code HAPPYMDAY for 20% off .

From Sassy Steampunk you can find unique handmade jewelry and steampunk supplies and other great items. Use coupon code ILOVEMOM to receive 20% off.

From Ghostgap you can find goth jewelry, the greatest plastic canvas creations like haunted houses and fairies. many other wonderful things to be found in this shop! Use coupon code gothmom to receive 10% this shops already low prices!

From Cindi Ressler Photography you can pick from many beautiful photography prints of B&W, natural, florals and more. Use coupon code MOM2012 for 30% off ends May 4th so place orders with her soon!

From Autumn Equinox you can find beautiful handcrafted sterling silver and gold jewelry made in Maine. She has some very unique pieces it is always a pleasure to browse her shop. Use coupon code MOMDAY12 to receive 10% off your order.

From Jaydemia look and see you will find awesome boho styles in her eco friendly collection of jewelry. Use coupon code MOMMYLOVE to receive 25% off starting May 1st through Mother's Day!

From Petal Scents you can find balms for nearly everything! She has 25% every thing in her shop until May 13th.

From Shelley Creates you can find beautiful sterling silver jewelry, sea glass jewelry and she does custom portraits. Use coupon code MAMA10 for 10% off your order.

From Blossommistic you can find hats, fleece items, decorated boxes and more. Right now all of her fleece items are only $1 each plus buy 2 get 1 free! and you get a free gift with any order over $15! Think that is enough? well she is also offering 20% off with coupon code lovemom.

From Nathalie Lynn Designs you can find all kinds of handmade jewelry! Use coupon code MOMD12 to get 15% off your order.

From the Passionate Pearl you can find beautiful pearl, silver and gold jewelry she is offering 15% off throughout her store starting May 1st - May 13th

Becca & Mars are offering 10% off their 3 Piece Hard Candy Sugar Scrub Gift Set

From Mrs. Browns Bath Bakery- "Make Mom Gladder Than A Hatter" Mother's Day Week Special - Purchase 2 or more of anyone of the Mad Hatter's Tea Party series and recieve a FREE code for 10% off your total order! Just send a contact message before you pay for your order to recieve the code!

Continual and in conjuction with any current special - Orders of $150 or more recieve FREE gift wrapping! Simply type in GIFTWRAP in your coupon code box before checkout!  

Friday Feature- Shayne of the Dead

How did you name your business? My name is Shayne (often miss pronounced Sean), I paint a lot of dead stuff, and there is that movie ;D

Hunter's Kiss

How long have you been doing your art/craft for? My earliest memory is drawing, I can even remember my frustration that it didn't look right. Things have not changed after all those years.


What inspires and influences your work? The shortness and fragility of life seem to be my drive and influence, there are a billion others I'm sure, but conveying the message to make every moment count is at the core...and pretty girls, mustn't forget the pretty girls.


Where can you artwork/pieces be found? My work van be found in a couple local boutiques: MissContrued's Boutique and Rocket Resale. You can also find my stuff and links to my stuff on my website www.shayneofthedead.net


What do you do when your not creating? I don't understand the question.

Memento

What is your favorite piece(s) that you have created? Thats easy...all of them.


Why did you create this piece(s)? I think some people are just compelled to create, and for me it is a compulsion, I don't have much choice in the matter.


What do you feel is special about your art/craft? I realized a long time ago that my memories were so much more vivid when I was doodling, crafting, making art. While at college I would continually doodle during lectures. I was caught by a professor who was displeased that my notes contained very few if any words. I explained to him I remember things better if I'm drawing. He tested me and was rather impressed with the details I conjured up about previous lectures. All of the lecture of coarse, but also the clothes he was wearing, and the scent of the perfume the girl in front of me was wearing. When I create I become hyper aware of everything and it all gets recorded. In essence my work is autobiographical in nature, it is my hope that the viewer on a subconscious level can also read my experiences through my art. My Art is the vessel of my immortality.



Are there other forms of art and crafts you would like to learn? And why? Another easy question...all of them.

Raven Skull

Treasure is an original ACEO signed illustration  

Product Spotlight- Mother's Day Special All Natural Hemp & Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Cream & Ylang Ylang Goddess/Mother soap

Mother's Day Special- 

All Natural Hamp & Cocoa Butter 

Moisturizing body Cream &

Ylang Ylang Goddess/Mother  soap

Mother's Day is fast approaching what do you do to show your Mother that you appreciate all she has done? Here is a nice All Natural gift set that might get you started.

This set has- 2oz container of Thick and Creamy All Natural Hemp & Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Cream for dry skin and one bar of All Natural Ylang Ylang & Vitamin E Mother/Goddess Cold Process Soap. By buying the gift set you save over 10% off there regular price. All my Chrissy-jo's All Natural Lotions & Potions are made completely free of chemicals, artificial colorant, preservatives and artificial fragrances.... I only use the good stuff!

Thick and Creamy All Natural Hemp & Cocoa Butter Moisturizing Body Cream for dry skin-
This cream is petroleum and preservative free and is wonderfully moisturizing! Made with organic hemp oil, olive oil, cocoa butter and vitamin E to help your skin get and stay healthy. Bees wax to thicken the lotion, help provide a protective layer on the skin that still lets the skin "breath", it is also known to have mild antibacterial properties.Sodium borate also know as Borax is a naturally occurring alkaline mineral first discovered over 4000 years ago. Borax and bees wax emulsify(blend) oil and water together. Together the electricity from the friction of the two causes the reaction and yields an emulsion. This listing if for one- 2 oz. container of cream. More available contact me for more information. This is unscented and if you would like it to be scented naturally with essential oils for aromatherapy or additions benefits for your skin contact me for more information. Also available in 4 oz size containers.

All Natural Hemp & Cocoa Butter Cream

-Please read list of ingredients before you buy in order to see whether you are allergic to some contents of this product-
A complete list of whats inside- Distilled water, organic hemp seed oil, olive oil,Cocoa butter, bees wax, borax, vitamin E


All Natural Ylang Ylang & Vitamin E Mother/Goddess Cold Process Soap- This wonderful All Natural ylang ylang & vitamin E soap was made especially for Mothers Days.
This listing is for 1 bar (around 3.5 oz) of this wonderful All Natural ylang ylang & vitamin E soap. I made this batch especially for Mothers Days. If you need more then one bar let me know and I can list more. 


Ylang Ylang -has a fresh, floral, sweet, slightly fruity, fragrance yet delicate. It's scent is known to lift spirits and help relieve depression and stress. On the body Ylang Ylang can be help relieve eczema and has known anti-septic qualities. So both the scent and oil qualities are good for you. 

All Natural Ylang Ylang & Vitamin E
Goddess/Mother Soap

I make all my soaps, lotions and body products are made in small batches using top qualities natural oils, herbs and essential oils. There is never any artificial colorants, fragrances or ingredients in any of my products.


Vitamin E- this vitamin offers numerous benefits for skin. It if full of antioxidants and also helps the skin look younger and healthier.


The complete list of whats inside- palm oil, soy oil, olive oil, coconut oil, ylang ylang essential oil, vitamin E


This soap is vegan friendly.


You will always receive a fresh batch of lotion or creams from my shop. Because of the natural and handmade nature of my products there can be mild differences in color and scent from batch to batch. 
These natural preservative free lotions and creams should be kept in a cool dark place to ensure they keep fresh or refrigerated. In good conditions they last 2 months or 4 months refrigerated.

What's The Difference Between Essential Oils & Fragrance Oils

Chamomile a common plant and
essential oil used for its benefits for
stress, anxiety and depression.
Photo courtesy of
freeherbpictures.com

Not all scents are created equal! In some ways essential oils and fragrance oils are similar, but the base of these two vary greatly.


Essential Oils- True 100% essential oils are made by distillation of herbs, roots, flowers and resins. They are  not cut with any carrier oils. Essential oils can be expensive but they are potent in medicinal benefits and fragrance. A few of these benefits are tension relief, migraine relief, over all well being, lessening anxiety and many positive skin care benefits. The plants and the essential oils made from them contain allelochemicals (chemicals released into the environment by plants). These chemicals have affects on the human body. depending on the plant these affect can be good or bad. Because of this it important to fully understand each plant and oils used and the affects it has on your body. Essential oils allows you to make scents and products truly all natural and with some wonderful benefits. An allergic reaction to 100% pure essential oils is rare, more people are allergic to the synthetic fragrances that are meant to mimic essential oils.

A few 100% essential oils essential oils from my lotions & potions cupboard 

A few drawbacks from using 100% essential oils.

•  Some are really expensive! I know the two most expensive I use are Rose Otto(around $64 for 1/8 an oz) and Blue Chamomile (around $20 for .17 oz). 
• Not all essential oils that have pleasant and sot after scents are good to be in contact with. This can limit what product you can make with them.
• The potency can vary from batch to batch. Just like any plant materials many factors cause a plant to vary in quality.

Fragrance Oils- Most fragrance oils are synthetic oils. I have seen essential oils that have been cut with base oils sold as flagrance oils as well. The synthetic fragrance oils offer only aromatherapy benefits since they contain no plant ingredients. All the health and medicinal benefits you get from 100% essential oils  aren't there. But you can use scents that aren't found in essential oils. You can also use scents that in essential oils might be harmful to be in contact with. Fragrance oils can be an afford alternative to some of the more expensive essential oils. Fragrance oils that are essential oils cut with base oils are more or less ready to use on your skin or in a oil warmer. Most essential oils are to potent to use directly on your body so being cut with a base oil allows you to directly use it. These cut oils are normally to diluted to use in making products like soap, lotions and creams.

A few drawbacks of synthetic fragrance.

• Fragrance oils are mainly made of petroleum products like benzene, toluene and formaldehyde. many of which have been linked to cancer, birth defects and nervous system disorders.
• Some fragrance oils with these petroleum products in them cause allergic reactions, skin conditions (like psoriasis & eczema) and can cause thyroid disorders.
• Fragrance can trigger asthma attacks and other respiratory problem.

My final thoughts 

Two product from my shop The Happy Hippie
Lotion and The happy Hippie Solid
 Perfume Balm. Both made with Organic Hempseed
 oil andPatchouli essential oil! My favorite scent.

With my sensitive skin, allergies and asthma I only use 100% essential oils in my products, on my skin and for my family. The bad out weights the good of fragrance oils in my opinion. Yes there is a big variety of scents in fragrance oils that are not available in essential oils and fragrance oils are in some cases a lot cheaper. But the value of my family, customers and my own health is worth more then the price saved for using synthetic ingredients. Keep an eye on those labels when shopping even some "natural" products are not as natural as you think. Learn what the ingredients are and why they are in the products you use.

Please do remember that not all essential oils are safe. Just like in all of nature some things are beneficial and some things are poisonous. I strongly suggest you always research a new plant, herb or essential oils before experimenting with it. Keep in mind that essential oils are potent and concentrated. They need to be cut with base oils before use on your body. A little goes a long way.  

Wordless Wednesday- Stillness of a Dragonfly

Review & Giveaway- Kats Herbs Knitting Renaissance Romance Incense

I purchased these incense a few weeks back mostly because I am always looking for new handmade scents for the house that do not bother my allergies. In the listing on Etsy for these it states"Unashamedly the best incense you will ever burn!"   and after using them I am in complete agreement! The scent I picked is called Renaissance Romance it is scented using a blend of tea rose with jasmine, hyacinth, lily of the valley and dragons blood essential oils. It is a wonderfully intoxicating incense allowing my mind to wonder to distance times and the places of fantasy stories. The incense are soak in their oil mixture some times for days until a customer purchasing them. Mine were still wet and I hung one in my car (unlit of coarse) and even after nearly a week it is still keeping my car smelling good. It worked just like the oil defuser sticks. They are very potent and burn for a long time. I only burned half at a time because they lasted so long. Burning these incense did not bother my allergies as many do and I will be purchasing more in the future! I can't wait to try all their other scents. They also sell herbs, knitted items, essential oils and more from their Etsy shop. Dealing with this shop has been a pleasure.

You can check out their Etsy shop here Kats Herbs Knitting she is offering free shipping as a Mother's Day special by using coupon code MOMDAY at check out.

How would you like to enter for a chance to win your choice of either 1oz of Lavender essential oil or 10 of their handmade incense stick from your pick of any one of their scents?  Enter by Leaving a comment on this blog post with which prize you would like to win and click the enter button on the raffle box below(you must do both to be entered).

Treasury Time

Getting geared up for Mother's Day here is my first Mother's Day inspired treasury.

Monday's Madness

I nearly forgot to blog today! It has been crazy here. Lets see what has been going on?..?... I had some wonderful special orders over the weekend. I hand stamped key chain, some custom face cream and a wholesale order for my Lavender solid Perfumes.

I will be adding more solid perfumes to my shops soon and I have been tossing around the idea of oils perfumes and alcohol based perfumes. I already make a splash/cologne for men that is alcohol based using vodka. 

Over the next month I will be switching all my salves over to metal tins. Mostly because it will match with similar items in my shop like the solid perfumes. Plus I like them better and I have had issues with some people not being able to easily open the small plastic containers.

I need go life calls. But I have a few questions first. What is your favorite essential oil scent? Maybe it will end up being my next perfume? and what is your favorite kind of perfume solid, oil or alcohol based?

Friday Feature- Natural Integrity

This weeks feature is a wonderful jewelry designer Candice of Natural Integrity. Her jewelry is lively, colorful & full of life. 

April Shower Beaded Memory Bracelet

How did you name your business?
The "natural" aspect of my business comes from that fact that my jewelry is inspired by gemstones, rocks, plants, and other things found in nature. The "integrity" comes in when I am selecting quality materials and making durable pieces.

How long have you been doing your art/craft for?
I am new to making jewelry. I made my first piece, a pair of dangle earrings, only three months ago.

What inspires and influences your work?
I am mostly inspired by the beauty and patterns of nature. 
I also find inspiration in thoughts of people and events in 
my life and the love of friends and family.

Where can you artwork/pieces be found?
My jewelry can be found on Etsy. My shop is Natural 
Integrity. http://www.etsy.com/shop/naturalintegrity. I 
also do local craft shows in the Washington, DC metro
 area.  I also have a facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/naturalintegrity 

What do you do when your not creating?
When I am not creating, I am tending to my family, visiting friends,

Fiesta Beaded Dangle Earrings

 and doing my best to get a little downtime every once in a while.

What is your favorite piece(s) that you have created?
I have a few pieces that I am proud to say that I've created. My 
two favorites are the Rose Quartz Beaded Necklace and the 
Erin Beaded Bracelet, both featured in my Etsy shop.

Why did you create this piece(s)?
I created the Rose Quartz Beaded Necklace because I was inspired by a warmer than average winter day that made me excited about the coming

Almond Pearl Beaded Earring & Necklace Set

 of spring which is my favorite season. 
The Erin was created with thoughts 
of my favorite, and only little sister, Erin. 

What do you feel is special about your art/craft?
I feel I have a unique way of composing my jewelry 
creations. I like to blend traditional and modern style
 and it is a reflection of my personal style.

Are there other forms of art and crafts you would like to learn? And why?
I would love to learn to how to knit and sew and 
woodworking. I am a designer at heart and have so
 many ideas for fashion and home goods that I want to
 create.

Candice Miles-Wilson
Jewelry Designer/Owner
Natural Integrity
(301) 254-1917www.etsy.com/shop/naturalintegrity

Help Brainstorm to win a PRIZE

I posted this on Monday too. But only had one response so lets give it another go shall we! I have been preparing Mother's Day gift sets to post in my shops. I love making, giving and receiving gift sets of handmade goodies. My biggest problem is finding an attractive way to present them. Baskets are nice but the really nice ones can be pricey and adds to the bulk of shipping. What is an affordable, attractive and reusable way to display gift sets? If you have any ideas please share. What kinds of gifts have you received with really cool packaging? What made it special?
If someone comes up with an idea That I end up using I will send you a free product from my shop up to a $10 value with free shipping in the US. This offer is good until May 1st. If some ideas are more or less the same I will pick the first one to post that idea.

What to do for a chance to win....

1.  post your idea in the comment section below with an email address. You can also send me a message with your email if you wish to not share it publicly but don't forget to still post your idea in the comment section here, too. my email is 7kindred9@gmail.com
2. More then 1 person can win because I could like more then one idea! So post each separate idea you have in its own separate comment.

It is that easy! Lets have fun and brainstorm together!

Product Spotlight- Time Fringe Steampunk Necklace

Steampunk is fun, it is fantasy, it can be so many things! The fun part about making steampunk pieces is it gives me a chance to play with different materials. It can be bold or bashful. Feminine or masculine. No matter what your personal steampunk style is, I am sure it makes an impression. I know I always get comments on my personal steampunk pieces when I where them out.

This piece has a more feminine feel. It is made with a watch movement piece with all kinds of gears and on a filigree metal stamping. I wrapped the focal piece with copper wire adding red seed beads as I wrapped. It hangs on a black chain and is clasped with a lobster claw style clasp.
Time Fringe Steampunk Pendent is selling for $25. in my  Etsy shop.

Wordless Wednesday- Storm Front

Storm Front

Treasury Time

Here are some great treasuries I want to share.


I made this one and it features all members from my All Mixed Up Shop team

Monday's Madness- Help Brainstorm to win a PRIZE 4-16-12

Things have been busy! I love it when business picks up. I have been shipping orders pretty steady over the last week. It is a welcomed change from March's trickling of sales. I have been preparing mother day baskets to post in my shops. I love making, giving and receiving gift baskets of handmade goodies. My biggest problem is finding an attractive way to present them. Baskets are nice but the really nice ones can be pricey and adds to the bulk of shipping. What is an affordable, attractive and reusable way to display gift sets? If you have any ideas please share. What kinds of gifts have you received with really cool packaging? What made it special?
If someone comes up with an idea That I end up using I will send you a free product from my shop up to a $10 value with free shipping in the US. This offer is good until May 1st. If some ideas are more or less the same I will pick the first one to post that idea.

What to do for a chance to win....

1.  post your idea in the comment section below with an email address. You can also send me a message with your email if you wish to not share it publicly but don't forget to still post your idea in the comment section here, too. my email is 7kindred9@gmail.com
2. More then 1 person can win because I could like more then one idea! So post each separate idea you have in its own separate comment.

It is that easy! Lets have fun and brainstorm together!

Friday Feature- Meredithbeads

This week Friday is Mereidthbead she has very lovely jewelry with beutiful color combinations, come get to know her and her creations!

Olive pearl coin leather necklace

How did you name your business?
after myself.  Either I'm title-challenged, or I just like simple titles.  I needed a title I could remember.

How long have you been doing your art/craft for?
Since before you were born.  Literally.  I started doing beadwork when I was 15.

What inspires and influences your work?
The beads themselves suggest the finished jewelry. 
Sometimes I see something -- in a storefront; in a museum -- and I'll take an element out of that item and adapt it into my style.
Often an idea pops into my head, and I assemble all the components on my desk before I lose the inspiration.
Where can you artwork/pieces be found?
Artfire
Etsy
Etsy second shop
Website
I also sell most weekends at local craft shows and
 farmers' markets (Southern California).

What do you do when you're not creating?
All the boring work necessary to bring my creations 
to market: picture taking and editing, product descriptions,
 website tweaking, social marketing.  Unfortunately, I spend

Mabe pearl, turquoise, cornflake pearl necklace

 more time on the business end than I do creating.

This is my full-time job.  I work 60 hours/week in my off season
 and up to 80 "on."

What is your favorite piece(s) that you have created?

Mabe pearl, turquoise, cornflake pearl necklace

Why did you create this piece(s)?
Everything just flowed around the pendant. I like the way the
 necklace combines bold elements (pendant, hishi) with tiny
 intricate wire-wrap and chain.

What do you feel is special about your art/craft?
I have a very strong sense of color and design.
My work is meticulously made and sturdy.
Many of my pieces are one-of-a-kind.
I combine disparate elements -- bold and tiny, artsy and classic, ethnic and high-fashion -- and make it work.

Are there other forms of art and crafts you would like to learn? And why?
I have a 5-year BFA in Studio Art so I've worked in most media.
My next project is a tile mosaic on my bathroom floor.  Why?  Because I'm tired of looking at the world's ugliest linoleum.

Created opal teal blue cut out Magen David Earrings

I'm also the Poet Laureate of Placentia Library District since 2003.  My poetry and essays have been published in literary journal and anthologies world-wide. 

You can also find Mereidth at
Facebook fan page:
www.facebook.com/meredithbead
Twitter:
twitter.com/meredithbead
Writing website:
www.meredithlaskow.com

Treasury Time! 4-10-12

I love treasuries! here are a few I put together over the last week or so.

This first one I made with members from my new team All Mixed Up Shop team on Etsy. I started the for shops that sell from more then one selling category.



This next is made of all natural products for your body & home.  


Last but not least here is one with all Maine artist & artisan shops.

Wordless Wednesday- Into The Fog

4 reason I use only all natural skin care products

All Natural Hemp & Cocoa ButterBody Cream

Have you ever wondered what the big deal is with using all natural products on your skin? Here are a few reasons I started making and using all natural bath & body products.

1. I came to an understanding that my skin absorbs everything I put on it. At some point in my early twenties my mother was using "the patch" to help quit smoking. This simple chemical filled bandage(more or less) made me realize how sensitive our skin really is to what it comes in contact with. If medications and hormone(the birth control patch) can effectively be administered by contact what else is my skin coming into contact with? What is my body absorbing without me even thinking about it? What happens to all those chemicals in your body? Your body tries to filter them out effecting your liver among other things.
2. The use of  artificial fragrance. Most of the fragrances used in lotions and body products are made of synthetic compounds derived from petroleum this includes known toxins that your skin is absorbing and are often the cause of allergic reactions.
3. Parabens a group of chemicals often used as a preservative in body product it is listed under names like Methylparaben, Propylparaben, llsoparaben, Butylparaben. The EPA has reported that some of these parabens display estrogenic activity in some test. They are similar to estrogen and estrogen can stimulate breast cancer. This is more so dangerous since chemicals absorbed through the body can be up to 10 times more concentrated then if taken orally. 
4. Some colorants that are commonly used are irritants, allergens and are known carcinogens. Many are derived from petroleum(there is petroleum again!), acetone and tar. Look for these on your label - colorant, D&C, FD&C,blue lake(or any of the lake), yellow # 1...  and so on.  

All Natural Body Lotions

There are so many chemicals in many of bath & body product on the shelves today that I gave up on trying to find products I could use on my sensitive skin. I started making my own ALL NATURAL products so I could feel good about what I put on my skin, my family's skin and my friends. Between synthetic fragrances, artificial colorants and preservatives it is no wonder are bodies get sick. But on a happy note more and more all natural products are on the market now, making it easy for you to make healthy choices.

All Natural Nail & Cuticle Salve

All of my Chrissy-jo's All Natural Lotions & Potion are handmade in small batches to ensure quality and freshness. They are made 100% petroleum free, no added artificial fragrances, colorants or preservatives!
I only use top quality oils, herbs, minerals, bee's wax, and essential oils. I also can make your own special lotions, creams and salves. Customized to care for your skin type, aromatherapy, or other benefits you might be looking for from all natural oils, herbs and essential oils.

My Team on Etsy- All Mixed Up Shop team

I have been considering for a while to start an Etsy team of my own. I am a member of several wonderful teams but hadn't found one that suited my shops variety of products. I really want to have an active team that helps promote each other and have fun while doing so. I struggled with the idea because I know in order to have a successfully active team you need to be willing and to dedicate time and be persistent. So Last week I took the plunge started my team All Mixed Up Shop team. It is for shops like mine that have a wide variety of different kinds of products.  I have a lot of plans for this team but I am realistic and plan to ease into them. My hopes are to have a fun active team where we can discuss new ideas, promote each other, improve are shops by constructive criticism and offer technics and ideas to improve both our own shops and each others.

Here is where you can find the team now
All Mixed Up Shop team
All Mixed Up Shop team facebook group
All Mixed Up Shop Pinterest Board
All Mixed Up Shop Blog

Monday's Madness 4-9-12

Wow is it already Monday? Things have been so crazy here for me. I have started spring cleaning and it is going along fine enough but I have not touched my Studio area or my craft storage closet..... My closet scares me! It undoubtedly contains an abundance of forgotten treasures that are sure to ignite creative inspiration, but at what cost? I could vary well get lost for ever in it never to be seen again, lol. It is not all that big mind you about a 5x5' space that  contains a top shelf, a 3 draw filing cabinet and way to much stuff for any small space! Over the years I have out grown my crafting spaces. Up stairs in my bedroom are rubbermaid bins full of sewing & scrap booking paraphernalia, in our attic storage are boxes of yarn (I crochet & knit) and yet more material. My studio area which is in a room that is shared by my hubby as music room and as a teaching area for my girls homeschool is consumed by small totes of product and materials, shelves of tools and books and tons of storage containers full of stuff waiting to be created. There is not a room in the house that does not somewhere have my crafting & art stuff stored in it.... well the 2 bathrooms being the exception. I have my work cut out for me but organizing is again near the top of my priorities. So please share any organization tips or DIY projects.

So busy, busy, busy and now back to work!

Friday Feature- Zandyland

I really hope you enjoy this wonderful artisans shop. She is one of the nicest people to work with and has so many cute thing in her shop that my girls were oooing and awwwing the whole time while we explored her shop with me.

My Shop name on Etsy is ZandyLand. http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZandyLand

I’m on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheZandyLand

Hi, I’m Zandy! I live in ZandyLand which is in Georgia. My knight in shining armor, Daniel, and I will be celebrating our 13^th wedding anniversary this year! He’s busy building my dream castle! We have three beautiful little curly haired blondes, Lucy (4), Bella (2.5) and Ellie (11mos)!

How did you name your business? Do you remember the “A World of My Own” song in Disney’s Alice in Wonderland? You know it, it’s the one that starts off

 “Cats and rabbits, would reside in fancy little houses and be dressed in shoes and hats and trousers. In a world of my own.” I always loved how Alice dreamed of

 a world all her own, so it seemed fitting that I too should dream of a world my own. From that, ZandyLand was born! ZandyLand really is my own little world, and

 I just happen to have a little store where I sell wonderful things made in ZandyLand!

How long have you been doing your art/craft for? Being crafty is in my blood! My Mother is amazingly talented and has shown me how to create things and reuse/repurpose things since I was a child! I dabble in all sorts of crafts and have a delightful time making things. I stumbled upon the felt hair clip craft about a year ago and have fallen completely in love! It started off as something to play around with for my three little girls hair, and now I have a store. I love my sewing machine and my embroidery machine!

What inspires and influences your work? I just have this compulsion to create! God inspires me, look at all the fantastic things he has created! He made all these wonderful things for me to play with and I feel encouraged to try and create too! My Mom, Step-mom and Grandmother influence and encourage me, they are both so creative! They are thrilled to see me take something we had fun doing when I was a child and using it now. They are excited that another generation will be taught to create! I’m also influenced by my children! They LOVE to create things and to learn new things. The joy in their eyes when they do create something or learn something new inspires me!

Where can you artwork/pieces be found? My work can be found in my Etsy Store, ZandyLand! http://www.etsy.com/shop/ZandyLand One of my goals is to participate in some of the Georgia Craft Fairs or talk a local shop into carrying some of my hair clips.

What do you do when you’re not creating? When I’m not playing around creating something for The ZandyLand Store, I’m off playing inside ZandyLand with my children and husband! We take our parenting responsibility very seriously and try to lead by example where possible! We love to help the girls look past the normal use of something to see what else something can be used for. We want them to think outside of the box while still respecting the fact that there is a box! We want them to be full of joy and love and to praise God for all that he has blessed us with!

What is your favorite piece(s) that you have created? I’m really enjoying the new houndstooth collection I’ve just released. And the ice cream cones! I also love my Calypso Swing Apron in fushia!

Why did you create this piece(s)? I saw the houndstooth patterned felt and had this compulsion to shape it into something fun and bright! I just had to use that felt! When I saw the ice cream cone hair clips, I just had an urge to make some mint chocolate chip clips and then the girls needed some vanilla with sprinkles! What kid doesn’t love vanilla ice cream covered in sprinkles! And as for the apron, if I was going to have to do unpleasant tasks to make sure ZandyLand stays bright and shiny and full of fun, well, I needed an apron to make it more fun and stylish!

What do you feel is special about your art/craft? What makes my craft special to me is the joy that it brings to see others wearing and/or enjoying the output of my time and effort. It’s a wonderful thing to use your hands and your brain to actually make something and then to see others really like it and want it too! That’s what makes it special!

Are there other forms of art and crafts you would like to learn? And why? Oh my goodness, yes!! I want to learn to paint with Watercolors! I want to crochet and sure wish I had listened to Mom all those times she tried to teach me! I want to dabble a little more hardcore into woodworking and photography. And I really want to perfect my sewing! I’ve touched on most of these and really enjoyed them, it’s just a matter of time before I play with them more! My husband loves to work with metal and wood too, and he is an excellent photographer! Who knows…maybe ZandyLand will expand to include some of these other wonderful treasures one day!