Chicki's Musings

They are live!

2012-02-03T13:11:00.001-06:00

Just wanted to show all of you my newest listing in my Etsy shop.....my new crochet slippers! These are so cozy and I am loving mine so thought I would offer them to everyone else.

You can find them here in my etsy shop!

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-01-26T07:30:00.000-06:00

Valentine's day is only a few weeks away. I have been creating with Valentine's Day in mind and wanted to show off a few of my newest items in my Etsy shop.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Cute crochet slippers!

2012-01-24T12:52:00.001-06:00

I have always been a crochter (is that a word?) and have renewed my love of it lately making hats, scarves and other fun stuff.

I recently made these slippers for my DD. I searched long an hard for a pattern that I really liked. I found one from etsy shop mamachee. There are lots of cute patterns in this shop!

Here is he result. I sure hope she likes them!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Winter...Oh my!

2012-01-18T13:58:00.002-06:00

Just thought I would share a picture of my thermometer showing the temperature this morning here in SK. Yes it is real and yes that is Celcius!

Hope you are all keeping warm where you are! We are keeping warm indoors watching movies and baking.

Winter Clearance Sale!

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Christmas and New Year's have passed once again. I hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season. We did but it rushed by so quickly as it always does.

I am having a January winter clearance sale in my Etsy shop. Many items up to 50% off!

Shop here to take advantage of some great deals!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! It is my sincere wish that everyone has a happy, healthy 2012! I hope to continue sharing my ideas and creations with all of you this coming year.Cheers!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T04:14:00.000-06:00

I just wanted to take a moment to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas! I hope your holidays are enjoyable and memorable!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-29T08:30:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share with you my other blog and my Halloween traditions. Please check it out here.Happy Halloween!!

Happy Autumn!

2011-09-30T13:34:00.001-06:00

Wow! Summer sure flew by here as I noticed I hadn't been at my blog all summer! Tsk tsk!!The postal strike is long over and my shop is now up and moving in full swing. Lots of great new items in my shop such as these earrings that are perfect for fall!

I have been working on some Christmas ornaments, yes I said Christmas.....its coming before you know it! So stay tuned in my shop for some great stocking stuffers and gift ideas!

Happy Summer!

2011-06-21T16:06:00.002-06:00

Well it seems that spring yard and garden work has taken over a big chunk of my time lately. I love to be outside and really enjoy working in the yard. Unfortunately, that means little or no time spent online here on the computer.

Since midnight June 14, 2010, Canada Post workers have been on strike. This means no mail service at all here in Canada. I have decided to shut down my shop until this strike is over and settled as I don't want customers to worry about shipping delays.

Here are a couple peeks though at a few great items available when my shop opens again....don't worry, I will keep you posted as to when it does!

Take care and Happy Summer!

Zazzle.ca

2011-03-18T12:48:00.002-06:00

I recently found out about Zazzle.ca and thought I would check it out. It is an online marketplace where I can submit my own personal photos and have products designed for you! From mugs, to magnets to even stickers and tshirts, zazzle.ca prints these items for you from my photos and mails them directly to you!

I created a store called chickisphotos on zazzle.ca. Why not stop by and check it out? You might find something you can't resist!

Have a great weekend!!!!

A Yummy Side....Broccoli Gratin

2011-03-16T12:22:00.005-06:00

I don't know if I have mentioned this before, but I love to cook and bake. Each night, I have to come up with a meal that is both healthy and that my two little ones will actually eat!

I thought I would start to share some of my recipe triumphs here on my blog as I know how difficult it is to cook for small children!

My kids love broccoli. They don't like it raw but steamed with a little margarine is always popular with them. I don't remember eating broccoli much as a child...I think I didn't like it at all!

Costco sells this large bag (and Costco size is huge), I think it was $4.99 for 1.36 kg or 48 oz for my American friends. They are cut into florets and what I usually do is wash them, trim and steam. Easy peasy!!

The other night, I was growing tired of steaming broccoli so started my internet search for a good broccoli sidedish.

I found this recipe for Broccoli Gratin on the Food Network website.

Here is the recipe:

Broccoli Gratin
Ingredients
1/4 cup unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more as needed
Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
Freshly ground black pepper
2 pounds broccoli (about 4 heads), cut into small florets (about 8 cups)
1 cup grated sharp Cheddar (about 4 ounces)
1/2 cup fresh bread crumbs
Directions
Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Butter an 8-by-8-by-2-inch baking dish or an 8-cup gratin dish.

Melt 3 tablespoons of the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour until smooth. Cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Add the milk, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and nutmeg and bring to a boil while whisking constantly. Lower the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the white sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes. Season with pepper. Remove from the heat.

Meanwhile, bring about 1-inch of water to a boil in a large saucepan and set up a collapsible steamer on top. Put the broccoli in the steamer and season with salt. Cover, and steam until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Put the broccoli in the prepared dish, sprinkle with half of the cheese and pour on the sauce. Cover with the remaining cheese.

Melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bread crumbs and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Cover the gratin with the bread crumbs. Bake until lightly browned and bubbly, about 20 minutes. Serve immediately.

I omitted the salt as I read a few reviews saying it was too salty and I thought the cheese would add saltiness to the dish.

I made it in a pyrex baking dish and baked as per the instructions. It smelled delish!

Of course, I forgot to snap a photo of it before my husband and kids devoured it! I wasn't sure what they would think about it but they really liked it! Definately a keeper in my kitchen!!

Do you have a favorite broccoli recipe? I would love to add more broccoli recipes to my collection! Please feel free to comment!!

Cheers!

Spring inspired birdie!

2011-03-08T14:07:00.003-06:00

Spring is on its way...hopefully sooner than later!

I have been inspired to list my Birdie in an open window necklace in my Etsy shop today.

I can't wait for the songbirds to come back and listen to them with the windows open!

A little over a year ago....daydreaming

2011-03-02T08:29:00.006-06:00

This winter here in Saskatchewan has definately been cold and miserable. The weather forecasters are now predicting a cold late spring.

I was sitting here daydreaming about my vacation to Las Vegas last year and thought I would share this photo I took while in the Bellagio Hotel.

How I wish I could go back there! Maybe next year!!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2011-02-14T09:00:00.002-06:00

Today, February 14th we celebrate Valentine's Day. I just wanted to take this moment and wish all of you a very Happy Valentine's Day!

Cherish your loved ones today and everyday!

Crisp afternoon surprise!!

2011-01-24T08:56:00.004-06:00

It has been awfully cold here the past while. Minus 20 something Celcius has been quite common this past week. But, I am in Saskatchewan and this is very normal for winters here.

Last week, I was surprised by the dog who was outside barking very loudly. He seemed really agitated. So I went to investigate what was causing him to be so distraught. He was looking off to the west of our property and barking. I looked to where he was barking and was very surprised to see 2 moose running across the field next to us.

I ran inside and grabbed the camera to capture them so I could show the kids and hubby later on. It was cold out as I stood on our front porch in a tshirt but I think the experience and photos were worth it.

Here are a couple shots I took of these moose that cold day:

redbubble

2011-01-19T07:03:00.004-06:00

Hello!

I am so excited to have an account on this great site called redbubble. It is a website that showcases art from around the world. Members post their work for the world to see and it can be bought in several forms such as greeting cards to prints to even tshirts. And best of all....redbubble prints and distributes this work for the artist.

I recently opened my own RedBubble account. I have a collection of my favorite photos that I have taken over the past years. Many can be bought as greeting cards and even prints.

Here is just a little sample of what you will find in my portfolio:

You can find these and many other of my images in my portfolio on redbubble

See you there!

New Work....Finally!

2011-01-17T18:15:00.004-06:00

It has been such a while since I posted some new work. I am so happy to be able to finally show some new work off on here!

I really like how this pendant came out. The combination of these clay colors and the copper really work well.

and also an older listing that I renewed with a new photo.......

I can't wait to show off more of my new work. I am also hoping to be able to share some recipes and other neat things with all of you this year.

Thanks for reading!! :)

It's Friday!

2011-01-14T15:18:00.001-06:00

TGIF! I am so happy today is Friday. I am looking forward to the weekend and sleeping in tomorrow!

Do you have any weekend plans?

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod

Take Me Away.............

2011-01-10T09:01:00.005-06:00

Its winter here and I have recently found myself daydreaming about taking a vacation to somewhere sunny and warm.

This treasury is the result of my daydreaming..............

'Take me away.............' by Chicki

Somewhere with sand and surf.....I am getting tired of winter!

Holiday sale 20% off La... LandlockedMerm... $20.00	Sage, Sand and Spice Ar... lunedesigns $61.00	Daydream - An original ... HalleyDawn $115.00	Hanging AirPlant Pod (t... mudpuppy $30.00
Jamn Seaside Silk Cordi... Jamnglass $8.99	Fish Head OriginalPainte... $40.00	Sandwishes - Original P... NextPlease $15.00	Sand and Sea Wool Wrapp... SeaFlowerStudi... $20.00
Sticks n Stones - Brush... madamejen $285.00	Light House mywatercolorar... $50.00	Seashore (Handmade but... TessaAnn $9.50	Beach in a Bubble TheTropicalGar... $32.00
Sea Opal, artist lampwo... karmelidesigns $28.00	Seahorse (Sea Green) (N... theinksociety $16.99	beach girl hand stamped... juliethefish $40.00	5 BEACH STONE BUTTONS..... madeforfun $8.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Have you been doing any winter daydreaming??

Happy New Year!!

2011-01-10T08:01:00.001-06:00

Happy New Year!!

I hope 2011 is a great year for all my readers! I hope to blog more this year as I am getting settled into our new home (we moved in December this past year).

I am really looking forward to sharing with all of you!

Cheers!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

2010-06-09T13:45:00.002-06:00

It has been raining and raining out here. I am not complaining though because the moisture is needed. But, I have not been taking many pictures...its been too grey out.

I have been creating though and have some new and exciting listings to show from my Etsy shop Chicki.

I have been experimenting with hammering various metals and have created this pendant out of copper wire.

I have also still been working with polymer clay and have started experimenting with inks, foils and clay. This pendant is the result of this work.

I always love simple and pretty jewellry. These earrings are the result of simple ear wires I created out of sterling silver, fine silver ball headpins and pink swarovski crystals. They are sparkly and pretty.

I have been using brass wire and findings more and more. I love the looks of it. These bohemian earrings have super cool czech glass beads that have been wire wrapped and greatly enhance the filigree chandelier earrings.

Signs of Spring

2010-04-26T14:14:00.005-06:00

As you know from previous posts, I love to take photos. I have been taking photos almost every day and would like to share a few with my readers.

These photos represent signs of spring here in Saskatchewan, Canada.

One of the signs for me is the returning of geese.

Also, crocuses come out....these beauties were captured in some pastureland near Saskatoon.

And lastly, robins make their appearance. This lovely bird was hopping around outside my window last night.

What are the signs of spring you wait for?

New Items!

2010-04-15T14:32:00.003-06:00

I have been busy creating and listing! Here are a few new items that I have listed in my Etsy shop:

Lot more to come! Stay tuned!!!

Polymer Artists Showcase!

2010-03-29T10:01:00.006-06:00

I am so happy to announce that my photos have been featured in a stunning book complied by Tejae Floyde called Polymer Artists Showcase!

This book is a beautiful compilation of polymer clay work from artists all over the world. I am very honoured to be featured here!

You can purchase the book here.

Tejae Floyde is a multi-media artist herself and she has a lovely blog that can be found here.
Many thanks to Tejae for featuring my clay work in her book!

Etsy Front Page!!!

2010-03-18T09:48:00.003-06:00

Finally! One of my treasuries made it to the front page of Etsy! Unfortunately, I was not home to see it when it was on there but some fantastic Etsy friends send me a screenshot of it.

Here is my treasury that was entitled "Running around in circles".

Thanks Etsy and the wonderful artists that have the beautiful items that I chose to feature!

Wordless Wednesday....Tulip Bouquet

2010-03-03T14:05:00.002-06:00

Sometimes a small gesture of spring is enough to brighten someone's (in this case my) day.

Brass chainmaille bracelet

2010-02-22T14:33:00.003-06:00

Brass chainmaille bracelet, originally uploaded by Chicki2008.

Here is another new design in my Etsy shop...this time in brass.

I LOVE the heart toggle clasp...I feel it adds so much to the design.

Happy Monday!!

Wordless Wednesday - Unicorn drawing

2010-02-17T14:24:00.003-06:00

My daughter drew this unicorn for me last summer.....pretty good for a five year old I think! She loves to be crafty and seems to be following in mommy's footsteps!

The View from here

2010-02-10T22:35:00.003-06:00

This is how the countryside has looked here for the past few days....frosty and pretty! When it looks like this outside I don't mind the cold temperatures.

Wordless Wednesday....Princess Castle Cake

2010-01-27T13:51:00.003-06:00

This is the cake I made for my DD's birthday this past weekend. She LOVED it!

Fabulous Friday Finds!

2010-01-22T08:51:00.003-06:00

TGIF!!!

It has been a long week and I am so pleased that it is friday! Here are some gorgeous Friday Finds from Etsy.com.

I love green and this mossy colour is just gorgeous!

Check out these earrings from WildWomanJewelry.

Or this necklace from Seaglassdesigns

All this lovely green has me dreaming of spring! How about you?

New Year, New Items

2010-01-14T09:50:00.007-06:00

Wow, January is sure flying by! It seems I am still trying to catch up after the holidays!

I have been listing new and exciting things in my Etsy shop. I have been having fun experimenting with wire, making my own ear wires and headpins. I even have some listed in my Etsy shop Chickibeads.

Here are some of my newest creations.

I hope 2010 has been treating all of you kindly. I hope to list lots more new and exciting things this year!

Wordless Wednesday....Chickadee feast

2010-01-13T10:33:00.001-06:00

Chickadees love to sit and eat on our birdfeeders....this little guy I photographed the other day.

Wordless Wednesday...Smiling Dog

2010-01-06T09:59:00.001-06:00

To make you smile today...

Wordless Wednesday - Happy Holidays!

2009-12-23T12:31:00.004-06:00

Here is a photo I took last holiday season. Wishing everyone a joyous, healthy and happy holiday season!

Fond Memories of Christmas

2009-12-17T08:47:00.003-06:00

Christmas is such a magical and memorable time of the year.

Now that I have my own children, I like to look back and remember Christmases past and see that sparkle in their eyes that I know I also had as a child.

The Christmas season started with us on December 1st. This was when we were allowed to "officially" decorate the house....but not the tree. We always had a real tree and it was set up closer to the 15th or 20th. Our house was a two story older farmhouse. I got to decorate the upstairs where our bedrooms were. Mom gave me the go-ahead and I could decorate it however I wanted. Looking back on it now, I fondly remember hanging the garlands and Christmas cards and ornaments all of us kids made at school.

Then was the school Christmas concert which all grades always had a part. I was always so proud to dress up in my best clothes and to have my parents watch as we performed. If we were really lucky, Grandma and Grandpa would travel out to watch too....that made it even more special.

The last day of school before holidays meant parties and treats both at school and on the school bus. I am sure the busdriver could feel all the excitement we had over vacation time and I am sure she needed that little break too....lol!

School holidays would begin and we would finish up all our Christmas baking. I was the oldest and only girl then (my little sisters came when I was a teenager) so I enjoyed that time with my mother. I guess that is why now I enjoy baking and being in the kitchen. My brothers did not care for that at all and they spent the holidays outside playing in the snow.

We celebrated with our family on Christmas Eve. This would mean a lovely supper usually of ham and perogies maybe even cabbage rolls if we were lucky. We would sing carols around the tree and open our presents from Mom and Dad. We would enjoy games and cards until we had to go to bed to be ready for Santa. We wrote a little note to Santa and gave him some milk and a cookie. But also put out a carrot for Rudolph. We didn't want him to go hungry either and he could share it with the other reindeer if he wanted.

We would go to bed that night dreaming of the fun we would have on Christmas morning.

Christmas day was spent at home for a while with my family and then off in the car to Grandma's house. There would be more perogies and turkey, cabbage rolls and all sorts of goodies. By the end of Christmas day, we were all tired, happy and full from a lovely meal. We all slept in the car on the way home.

These are memories I will treasure forever. Please feel free to share some of your memories here too....I would love to read them!

Happy Holidays!

Wordless Wednesday - Friendly Finch

2009-12-16T14:45:00.002-06:00

This little friendly bird graced my birdfeeder this summer....It was so much fun to watch them. I look forward to their return in spring.

Wordless Wednesday Sunny Sunflower

2009-12-09T10:32:00.002-06:00

On this cold, cold day here just wanted to share a warm sunny flower with all of you! This picture was taken by me.

Frosty Friday!

2009-12-04T09:50:00.004-06:00

We have been lucky this year not to have any snow on the ground until this week. I was quite surprised to wake up this morning and find that the temperature was hovering around the -20 C mark. Brrrr.

When I looked outside I saw this frosty wonderland and I had to go out and get some photos. Winter in Canada can be so pretty sometimes! Here are a few photos from my morning walk.

And of course my trusty companion and friend had to tag along with his soccer ball! What a dog!

Free shipping Sale!

2009-12-03T10:16:00.003-06:00

As an end-of-the-year customer appreciation sale I am offering FREE SHIPPING in my Etsy shop. From now until December 15th, 2009 enjoy free shipping on all purchases.

Here are a couple newbies in my shop:

Remember...the TransCanada Etsy team giveaway is still on until December 6th. Every purchase over $10 counts as one ballot!

Happy Shopping and Happy Holidays!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T15:43:00.003-06:00

I would just like to take a little time today to wish all my American friends a Happy Thanksgiving! I hope that wherever you are you are enjoying your day with friends and family.

Indienorth Feature!

2009-11-20T09:15:00.003-06:00

This is just a quick post today while I get ready for my weekend craft show.

Floral Acres in Saskatoon,SK

November 20 5pm - 9pm

November 21 10am - 5pm

November 22 12noon -4pm

Today, my Floral Calendar is featured on Indienorth. Indienorth is a Canadian Indie Business Collective. You should really go and check out Indienorth....lots of fabulous Canadian gift ideas! There is even a gift guide on the site. Who knows, you may find some new favorites!

Getting ready...its craft sale season!

2009-11-19T15:18:00.003-06:00

We are getting into the full swing of craft sale season. I am preparing for my second show of the year. Its a three day show running November 20, 21 and 22, 2009 at Floral Acres
Greenhouse in Saskatoon, SK. If you are in the area, why not stop by and say hello!

I have a few new things that I am taking with me this time around. They have not made an appearance in my Etsy, Artfire or Icraft shops....yet.

They are really cute polymer clay pendants. They feature a blingy swarovski crystal as the flower centre. I hope these are well accepted as I am quite happy how they turned out. The first is mine...all mine! I really like this one and I will be wearing it proudly this weekend. The rest are nice too...hopefully they will all find good homes this weekend!

Have a great weekend! Wish me luck!

Have you started your Christmas shopping - Eco Friendly gift guide

2009-11-13T16:08:00.008-06:00

Christmas is rapidly approaching. I cannot believe that November is half over! I don't know about you guys, but I am starting to get a little worried about getting my Christmas shopping done in time. I love online shopping as I find it super-easy to shop this way being a stay-at-home parent. No line ups and I don't have to drag my children out and about or find a sitter.

So, I have decided to start a little series here on my blog featuring products that I think would make great gifts this holiday season. The amazing gifts I am featuring today can be found on Etsy.com.

First up, an Eco-friendly gift guide. I know how everyone is trying to recycle and do things that are beneficial to the environment. Why not purchase a gift that is Eco-friendly.

Here are some of my favorites.

These reusable food bags are great! See them and other great items from Kootsac here.

Here is another gift for the home. These fabulous rag rugs are made from recycled textiles by Fiveforty. I would love to have this rug in my house.

Jewellry can even be eco-friendly. This sea glass pottery pendant from Seaglassdesigns is a very interesting and unique piece of jewellry that I think anyone would love.

How about Christmas decorating? I have a few favorites in this category too. This stocking from Rikrak and these mini stocking ornaments from Prairiethreads would look lovely in any home.

There are even Eco-friendly gifts for coffee lovers! I know everyone has at least one coffee lover on their list! Check out this great coffee cup cozy from Laurabucci.

These are just a few of the fun and fabulous finds on Etsy.com. You can find many more great items by searching "eco" or "eco-friendly" on Etsy as well.

Why not buy handmade this Christmas?

Stay tuned for more gift guides this holiday season!

TransCanada Etsy Team

2009-11-03T10:00:00.003-06:00

I have been so busy the last while and sadly have neglected my blog. On top of making inventory and getting ready for fall shows, I have joined another team on Etsy. This team is the TransCanada Etsy Team. It is a great group full of many talented CANADIAN artists. I am very happy to be member of such a great group!

The TransCanada Etsy Team has a store on Etsy as well where you can purchase items from many talented members. The store can be found here.

The TransCanada Etsy Team has a blog located here. You can find a list of team members here. Why not take a peek in these great shops...who knows....you may find something you can't live without! Why not shop Canadian this holiday season!

JET Etsy Team Sale!

2009-09-23T13:55:00.002-06:00

The Jewelry on Etsy Team (JET) is having a sale this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (September 25-27). To participate in this great sale simply visit Etsy.com you can search for the tag “jetsale” to find shops that are participating. Each shop will have their own specific sales so please be sure to read their shop announcements.

My shop is offering get 15% off everything (excluding shipping) – Please write "WEEKEND DEALS" in the notes to seller section of the invoice and pay via PayPal. I will refund the difference via Paypal.

Offer only good Friday, September 25th, 2009 – Sunday, September 27th, 2009.

My 2010 Calendar!

2009-09-18T14:45:00.002-06:00

Once again this year I have decided to make up a calendar featuring some of my own photos. Last year it was quite a hit. I love photographing flowers so my 2010 calendar is full of flower photos.

Here is a little teaser for you:

Please look for the calendar in my Etsy and Icraft shops in the next few weeks!

2009-09-12T14:52:00.004-06:00

I just wanted to let all of my readers know about my sale this weekend if you haven't already seen it on my Facebook fan page or in my Etsy shop.

WEEKEND DEALS!! Sept 11-13/09I am offering FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING on all items in my shop for the weekend of Sept 11-13th. Please use the code "WEEKEND DEALS" in the message to seller section. Shipping charges will be refunded via PayPal.

Here are a few new items that I have recently listed in my Etsy shop:

Summer is dwindling....

2009-08-24T14:11:00.002-06:00

Summer here has been far too short. Days have been cool and I have hardly even used the air conditioner at all this summer.

I have been busy though with my creating.

Fall means craft sales so I have been trying to start working on building up an inventory for the craft show season.

I have been working on making my own sterling ball headpins and sterling ear wires. I have been enjoying this bit of metal working and am anxious to start using my skills in my creations. I have also been enjoying my chainmaille items and have been creating several items.

I have added a few new items to my Etsy shop. Here are a few:

PCAGOE August Challenge

2009-08-04T13:35:00.002-06:00

PCAGOE August Challenge Mosaic 4 rows
Originally uploaded by DivaDesigns1

It is the PCAGOE challenge time again!

These are the entries in the Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy's August Challenge, the theme of which is "Mixed Media". You are invited to vote for your favorite entry at our team website at www.pcagoe.com between August 1, 2009 and midnight EST of August 8, 2009. Five lucky voters chosen at random will also each win a beautiful prize pack of polymer clay items made by our member artists.

1. Chainmaille and Polymer Clay Bracelet by Chicki
2. Faux Zebra Animal Print Polymer Clay, Bone and Metal Necklace by SCDiva
3. Lascaux Swimming Deer Necklace by JillPalumbo
4. Polymer Clay Millefiori Bugs by IrisMishly
5. Mixed Media Bracelet by Polyclarific
6. Faux Fused Glass, Polymer Clay and Resin by Eugena777
7. Cafe Latte by NKDesigns
8. Leopard Spot Pendant by FungibleElements
9. Ancient Sun by BijouxHibou
10. Black Rose With Honey 2 by LaurelSteven
11. Steampunk-01 by WorthingtonFox
12. Dolphin Pendant by ArtistTooStudios
13. Frida in my Heart by BeeTreeByMe
14. Polymer Clay Covered Tin With Swarovski Crystals and Metal by PolymerClayCreations
15. Inspired By The Lascaux Cave Paintings by Iamcr8ve
16. Green 1 Bracelet by Ashpaints
17. Mysterious Ways Necklace by KDollDesigns
18. It's All Faux by ElementalDragons
19. Lava Pen by CreativeWriting
20. Room In My Heart Pendant by Juliespace

I love nature....and my new camera!

2009-07-22T13:43:00.003-06:00

My husband bought me a new camera for my birthday recently and I have been having fun testing it ever since! It is a Nikon Coolpix P90 camera.

I have been taking pictures of the birds in my yard....seeing how close I can get and how much closer I can get with the zoom. I am quite happy with the results!

Here are a couple of my photos:

Now I need to get creating some more and start taking pictures of my creations!

Its Christmas in July!

2009-07-10T15:41:00.002-06:00

Unique wire wrapped Chrismas ornament or suncatcher
Originally uploaded by Chicki2008

Its Christmas in July!

I have decided to offer a Christmas in July sale for all of my Etsy customers. Purchase any item, such as this Christmas ornament, from this section in my Etsy shop and get FREE SHIPPING!

Valid through the end of July 2009!

Its a rainy day today......

2009-07-07T10:59:00.004-06:00

Today it is raining outside! I am happy though as we need a little moisture for the garden and plants. It is a good reason to blog since I can't be outside today. Who knows, maybe I will create a little this afternoon too!

Here are some of my newest and latest creations.....

I am always looking for places to wholesale my items as well! Please contact me through either my icraft or etsy shops for more details!

Happy Canada Day!

2009-06-30T08:08:00.002-06:00

Tomorrow, we celebrate Canada Day here in this fabulous country. I want to celebrate with all of my fellow Canadians.

I have decided to have a sale in my Etsy shops Chicki and Chickibeads.

Here are the details of my sale!

CANADA DAY SALE!
To celebrate Canada Day in my shop, I am offering free shipping within Canada. Please use the code CANADA DAY SALE in message to seller section. Shipping costs will be refunded via Paypal.Valid until Thursday July 2nd. Items must be shipped to Canadian addresses to recieve this discount and code CANADA DAY SALE must be used.

Happy Canada Day!

Icraft.ca Bootcamp specials on Indiesmiles.com!

2009-06-12T09:31:00.004-06:00

Last post, I told you about Icraft.ca, a Canadian-based venue for selling handmade items. I also told you about Bootcamp, a program that myself along with several other sellers are participating in to promote our shops and learn some valuable marketing tools.

Icraft.ca Seller's Bootcamp and Indiesmiles.com have teamed up to offer coupons for valuable savings. Please visit all of the shops here and check out all of the savings that are being offered.

My Icraft shop located here is offering FREE SHIPPING. This applies to all orders, even international ones! Please use coupon code BOOTCAMP in your instructions to seller section of your purchase. Shipping will be refunded to you via PayPal. Offer runs from June 10-25th 2009.

Thanks and Happy Shopping!!!

Icraft.ca!

2009-06-10T14:35:00.002-06:00

I opened a small shop on Icraft.ca just over a year ago. Icraft.ca is a Canadian-based website featuring lovely handmade items from all over the world!

I love that I can offer my items in Canadian funds which is great for my Canadian customers. And with our dollar being less than the U.S. dollar, it is also good for U.S. customers too!

I have been participating in a bootcamp program over on Icraft. Christine of PillowThrowDecor is running a program that is showing participating sellers valuable marketing tools. Thanks so much Christine for this valuable program!!

Please stop by and check out my shop Chicki on icraft! While you are there, why not browse all of the amazing items found there!

We have a winner!!!

2009-06-01T12:23:00.004-06:00

Last post, I announced a contest for those reading my blog.

Today, with the help of random.org, I have drawn a winner.

Congratulations Adornyourself (Kathy)!!! You have won this bracelet.

Thanks to all who entered....stay tuned....I may have another giveaway soon!

Bracelets galore and a GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-05-20T09:37:00.008-06:00

This past weekend was a long weekend here in Canada (Victoria Day) and it was a very busy weekend for me. We planted trees, gardened a bit and did a bunch of yard work. I also had time to craft a little too! Here is what I accomplished on the weekend.

And now for my GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT! Since I had such a productive weekend I thought that I would reward my readers with a giveaway. I have decided to give one lucky reader this black memory wire seedbead bracelet.

How to enter:

Visit either http://www.chicki.etsy.com/ or http://www.chickibeads.etsy.com/ and take a look around my stores. Come back here and post the link to your favorite item. Easy peasy!

Want more entries?????

You can also get additional entries for tweeting this giveaway or by following my blog too! Just let me know in a separate posting.

Draw will take place on May 31 and the winner will be announced June 1st 2009. A random number generator will be used to pick the winner.

Good luck!!!!

New items and an announcement!

2009-05-19T14:20:00.003-06:00

Chainmaille and Polymer clay keychain
Originally uploaded by Chicki2008

Here is a new way I am incorporating my polymer clay beads into my chainmaille.

This keychain is made with bright aluminum rings in a byzantine weave. The polymer bead was made by my own blend of clays and silver leaf. It has so much depth and is very lovely in person. The combination of the aluminum rings and polymer clay is so lightweight and would be a lovely accessory for your keys.

It is available in my Etsy shop! I also have some other fun new items...please check them out!

Stay tuned.....I am going to announce a fun giveaway in the next day or so!!!

Oceany Blues Chainmaille Bracelet

2009-04-29T18:05:00.001-06:00

Oceany Blues Chainmaille Bracelet
Originally uploaded by Chicki2008

Here is another new item for me! It is made totally by me! I wrapped each bead myself and even made the chainmaille myself out of bright aluminum jump rings. You can find it in my Etsy shop right now.

I am really pleased with it and hope it finds a good home! Maybe I will even make it in other colours too!

Any requests???

What I did this morning......

2009-04-24T13:21:00.003-06:00

I was wanting to make some cookies this morning and I wasn't too sure what kind to make. My kids got quite a few chocolate and white chocolate bunnies for Easter from friends and relatives and I put most of them in the freezer.

So I decided to use a white chocolate bunny. Then I thought...hmm I want oatmeal and maybe dried cranberries too. So I started my google search and came up with these cookies from Ocean Spray.

INGREDIENTS:

2/3 cup butter or margarine, softened

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 large eggs

1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

1 1/2 cups flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 6-ounce package Ocean Spray® Craisins® Original Sweetened Dried Cranberries

2/3 cup white chocolate chunks or chips

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Using an electric mixer, beat butter or margarine and sugar together in a medium mixing bowl until light and fluffy. Add eggs, mixing well. Combine oats, flour, baking soda and salt in a separate mixing bowl. Add to butter mixture in several additions, mixing well after each addition. Stir in sweetened dried cranberries and white chocolate chunks. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on wire rack. Makes approximately 2 1/2 dozen cookies.

I often love to substitute in recipes and I did change a couple of things in this recipe. I added 1/2 c of whole wheat flour and 1 c all purpose flour instead of the 1 1/2 cups flour and added 1 tsp of vanilla to it too. The chopped up bunny measured exactly 2/3 c. And I used 3 packages of those snack size craisins equalling close to 3/4c.

Here is what they look like. They are quite tasty but I would probably flatten them slightly next time as they didn't really spread out.

Let me know if you try these out too! Have a great weekend!

Something a little new and different!

2009-04-24T10:04:00.003-06:00

I am always wanting to try out new things. A while ago, when a friend of mine asked me to try to incorporate chainmaille into my pieces I said why not. I bought some rings and started practicing my weaving. After practicing for a while, I decided to make a few pieces using my own polymer clay beads and list them on my Etsy shop.

Here is what I came up with.

Both items are currently for sale in my Etsy shop!

Thanks for looking!

2009-04-14T19:13:00.006-06:00

I am a little late this week but here it is...the weekly featured artist!

This week, I am featuring Sonya of Whimsicality4U on Etsy.

How long have you been "playing with clay"?

I started "playing" with polymer clay about 5 years ago. I haven't turned back since.

Where do you find inspiration?

I'm greatly inspired by the "Altered Art" and "Upcycled Art" movements that are storming our culture. CLOTH PAPER SCISSORS is a wonderfully inspirational periodical for anyone feeling a little stumped. I love just about everything that STAMPINGTON PRESS publishes - the colors and textures used are gorgeous!

Where do you create?

I am very fortunate to have a home studio that used to be a "WOOD SHOP" for the previous owner. It's now bubbling over with tidbits of just about everything you could imagine. But what may look like complete chaos to some, actually spurs my imagination and puts me in the mood "to create."

What is the item that you have created that you love the most?

I've created so many things over these past 5 years; but when I make something really special, I just can't part with it. So those pieces go into my personal jewelry box. I have about 8 pieces in there right now. Some are new additions - others have been with me since I first started. The one I've held onto the longest is a bracelet made of sculpted floral beads in an emerald green color palette - after I finished that one I NEVER DID ANOTHER.

Here are a couple of items made by Whimsicality4U.

Thanks very much Sonya for being this week's blog feature!

Monday featured Artist - Tejae Floyde

2009-04-06T13:46:00.008-06:00

Its Monday again.

And that means it is time for me to feature another wonderful clay artist on my blog. Today my feature is on Tejae Floyde of TejaesArt on Etsy. Tejae is the current president of the PCAGOE. Tejae has her own blog as well. You can find it here.

How long have you been "playing with clay"?
I've been playing and claying for about 7 years. I would have started 2 years earlier when I had read an article about Kathleen Dustin. She was showing her work at a local art center. I fell in love with her colors and how she described the medium. I went right out and puchased 3 bars of clay. They sat unused for 2 years because I couldn't find any information on polymer clay. The lack of information was an issue for several people. My name got added to a list of pending members who might be interested in starting a local guild. The Pikes Peak Polymer Clay Guild was born and it's been going strong ever since.

Where do you find inspiration?

Inspiration is all around us, emotion, color, textures, nature, other artists. I'm inspired alot by wanting to try something new. Maybe a new twist on something that has already been done.

Where do you do your create?
I have a rather large studio space to create my work. I work with various mediums including polymer clay so it's nice to be able to spread out and not worry about leaving things in a mess.

What is the item that you have created that you love the most?

I started creating encased hearts back a few years ago. I love creating them. I've created several over the years that I adore. My favorite and most recent one is the Mermaid's Heart.

Tejae's work is very unique and stunning. She has been published several times including 400 polymer clay designs by Lark Books, PolymerCafe, Somerset Studios, Pastacio and AmericanStyle magazine. This year Tejae will be published in the 2008 Progress and Possibilites book by the National Polymer Clay Guild.

Here are a couple of items that showcase Tejae's talent.

Thanks Tejae for allowing me to feature you on my blog! Please visit Tejae's shop on etsy and her blog!

I have opened a new Etsy shop!

2009-04-02T09:26:00.003-06:00

I have been approached to start selling loose polymer clay beads and decided to open a shop completely devoted to my polymer clay beads. So, Chickibeads was born. I will slowly be adding to my stock with beads as I create them. Here are a few listings that I have right now.

Please note that I will still have my other Etsy shop Chicki open featuring my polymer clay pendants and jewelry. My loose beads will be in Chickibeads. Please stop by and check out my shops!

Have a great day!

Featured Artist - NKDesigns

2009-03-30T10:51:00.010-06:00

Happy Monday!

I would like to feature another fantastic clay artist on my blog today...Linda from NK Designs. She has an Etsy shop here and also a blog here.

How long have you been "playing with clay"?
I started using polymer clay about 8 years ago when I retired from Stony Brook Hospital, Long Island, New York. What started out as a hobby has become an obsession and I have clayed almost every day since then. I also teach polymer clay in the spring and fall in the Adult Education Department in Smithtown, New York.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from other artists' work. I see something made so beautifully and I will try to put my own spin on it and change it up. Of course, most artists find inspiration in nature with colors and textures. I might see an interesting flower and try to duplicate it with a cane.

Where do you create?
I have a studio in my basement. My husband bought me a TV, two tables; one for clay and one for finishing with beads and findings. I love working there as I can leave a piece and come back to it later on. In other words, I don't have to clean up all the time. LOL.

What is the item that you have created that you love the most?
I don't have one particular item I like more than the others. Each piece I create is unique. I love all the different techniques and I am constantly creating new pendants.

I really love Linda's work, especially the wonderful ways she finishes her pieces with resin. Here are a couple of her amazing pieces.

Thanks so much Linda of NK Designs for letting me feature your work on my blog!

Happy Spring!

2009-03-23T14:14:00.003-06:00

Wow, it has been a little while again since I posted! March has came and gone really quickly!

Happy Spring everyone!

I have been busy preparing for a craft sale that is coming up this weekend.

Here is a new creation of mine to show all of my readers....A necklace featuring my own faux turquoise beads.

I will be entering it into the April PCAGOE Faux challenge...stay tuned for more details!!

Design Handmade Article Feature!

2009-03-11T13:54:00.002-06:00

I have been featured on designhandmade.ca!

This is a great website featuring many talented Canadian artists and designers and I am very honoured to be featured here!

Please check out the article here.

I have been featured!

2009-03-10T09:05:00.004-06:00

I am so pleased that I have been featured on a fellow crafter's blog. I am really pleased at how the article was put together. Thanks so much Julie for the blog feature!

You can read all about me here.

2009-03-09T14:04:00.003-06:00

farthingIts time once again for the PCAGOE (Polymer clay artists guild of etsy) featured artist of the week. This week I have chosen to feature SCDiva. She has an Etsy shop here and a blog here. Her jewelry pieces are gorgeous. I love how she showcases her polymer work using gemstones that truly compliment the polymer piece.

How long have you been "playing with clay"?

I hoarded packages of clay for several months before I actually worked up enough nerve to take the wrappers off and start creating in December of 2007.

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration everywhere, but I study architecture, other art mediums and artists' work, and nature. The gemstones I use have amazing textures and depth of color, turquoise, jade, jaspers and agates. Natural colors and textures, especially those found in the Southwest USA, are very inspirational. I love tertiary colors and jewel tones: Turquoise, pumpkin, mustard, tomato red, indigo, aubergine, etc., but the Gemini in me also loves black and white, especially with red. I am also a huge fan of artists Georgia O'Keefe, Frida Kahlo, Frank Lloyd Wright, Dorothea Lange, Frederick Remington, James Harrill; and South Carolina artists Jonathan Green and Philip Simmons, to name a few. Other polymer clay artists inspire me too, several of whom I am lucky enough to have as fellow PCAGOE members.

Where do you create?

Well, I keep a sketch pad with me always. I have a terrible memory and have to get an idea on paper before I forget it. I create the actual designs in my studio, a renovated guest bedroom in my house. I like that it is located away from the main living area, so when guests come, I can shut the door if I don't want them nosying around. Too many people in and out messes with my creative vibe. Plus, I really get annoyed when people, even if they mean well, make suggestions about things I could do.

What is the item that you have created that you love the most?

I haven't made it yet! Seriously, I am never completely happy with anything, and I have a bad habit of wanting to fix what isn't broken, it's my OCD coming out. I work with very small batches of clay at a time. I don't duplicate any two pieces. It's one of my selling points, the uniqueness of my designs. Every batch usually yields one piece I think I'd like to keep for myself, but I don't really have a particular favorite.

Here are a couple of SCDiva's amazing pieces:

Thanks so much SCDiva for letting me feature your stunning work here on my blog!

PCAGOE March Challenge - Vote for your favorite!

2009-03-04T13:41:00.006-06:00

Its that time again!

The PCAGOE challenge for March is Canework. There are lots of gorgeous entries this month. Please got to pcagoe.com to vote for your favorite! Voters can win great polymer clay prizes!

Prize winners will be randomly chosen from all of the voters. You can vote once between now and midnight EST on Saturday, March 7, 2009. The winners of the March challenge will be announced on March 8 on the pcagoe website. There are prizes for the first and second place vote-getters!

Thanks for voting, and good luck!

2009-03-02T15:36:00.003-06:00

This week's PCAGOE (Polymer clay artists guild of etsy) featured artist is Lynnslittlecreations. She has an Etsy shop here and a blog here. Lynnslittlecreations shop is full of cute wedding cake toppers and other cute sculpted polymer clay items.

How long have you been "playing with clay"?
I have been playing with polymer clay for about 12 years...I went to a craft fair with a friend and feel in love with some polymer claycreations...I asked what they were made of...the artist told me polymer clay.I was very interested, so I went to the craft store and bought a book and some clay. From the moment my hands started conditioning the clay I have been hooked!I never dreamed I would be so blessed to be able to be a full time polymer clay artist!

Where do you find inspiration?
I mostly make wedding cake toppers now, so most of my inspiration comes from the lovely photos my customers send me. I love the detailing in the wedding gowns and fabrics.

Where do you do your create?
I have my own studio now that I am creating full time.

What is the item that you have created that you love the most?
Every time I create a new piece I always say, Oh, this is my favorite...lol. But the two that I have created that I think really stand out are...

Thanks very much to Lynnslittlecreations! Please check out more of her work here.

Consignment and Wholesale!

2009-02-25T13:20:00.002-06:00

Hello blog readers!

I would like to proudly announce that I am now have items available in a great shop called Rarefunk in Kitchener, Ontario. I am really excited to start working with this shop. Rarefunk is located at 8 Duke Street East in Kitchener, Ontario.

I would also like to let my readers know that I welcome all consignment and wholesale offers. If you are interested in any items found it my Etsy Shop, please contact me via Etsy or at chickietsy@gmail.com.

Thanks and have a great afternoon!

Featured artist Jewelzodonnell

2009-02-22T12:57:00.008-06:00

I have decide to feature fellow artists from the PCAGOE (Polymer Clay Artists Guild of Etsy). There is a lot of talent in this group and I am very fortunate to be in their company.

This will a be a weekly feature and I am excited to show all of you the works of some amazing clay artists. My first feature is on clay artist Jewelodonnell. Her shop Jewelz Creatives has an assortment of cute buttons, suncatchers, keychains and other clay creations. Please check out her Etsy shop and her blog.

How long have you been "playing with clay"?

I first started "playing with clay" in March of 2008 and sold my first one, a full frog sculpture, in April 2008.

Where do you find inspiration?

To begin with, I met a wonderful lady who makes the tiniest, most adorable little dragonlings. She made me a set of two for my twin nieces for their birthday. When I saw them, I wondered if I could possibly learn how to do something like that. So, I got some of the old-style plasticine, and practiced with that for awhile and then when I felt ready I bought some FIMO Polymer clay, and started sculpting. I get most of my inspiration from nature, for my full sculpts. I have made frogs, penguins, pigs, sea serpents, mice, ladybugs, butterflies and dragonflies/damselflies. I also love to be able to add other media to my polymer creations, such as dried flowers from my own flower beds. I make jewelry and accessories with those.

Where do you do your create?

We have a room built on the second floor right over our porch. Last year, my husband insulated it and built me a work table, and put in lots of shelving for my supplies. There is 2 very large windows looking southeast that gives me plenty of natural lighting.

What is the item that you have created that you love the most?

I have to admit, the one I love the most was a frog on a lily pad that I made and gave to my son's girlfriend. I use it as my avatar and banner in my shop at Etsy.

Thanks to Jewelzodonnell for allowing me to feature her shop on my blog!

Stay tuned for more clay artists in the coming weeks!

Project Wonderful!

2009-02-20T15:45:00.004-06:00

Good afternoon!

I have started out with Project Wonderful and have posted an ad box on the right of this page. Please click on the Sponsors and check out their fantastic shops!

Have a great weekend!

Our new pup

2009-02-18T14:55:00.001-06:00

Our new pup
Originally uploaded by Chicki2008

This is our new pup. He's a 7 month old Golden Retriever.

He has such a kind temperment and is really gentle. And smart too...he already knows how to sit! I think he will be a great addition to our family!

No name yet...not sure what we will come up with. We have a few in mind though....Sport, Rex, Jock....

Any suggestions????

Canadian at Par special!

2009-02-17T15:22:00.001-06:00

For a limited time...I am offering a special to my Canadian customers.

Purchase from my Etsy shop and you can purchase it at par!!! Save on the exchange rate! Please see my Etsy shop for more details!

Thanks for looking!

New creations!

2009-01-23T16:23:00.003-06:00

I have been playing with my beads today!

I have come up with these two designs available in my Etsy Shop.

I hope to create more necklaces in this fashion. Up next....maybe blues or greens!

Thanks for reading!

Look at what I made for my daughter!

2009-01-19T15:59:00.003-06:00

I have been creating and crafting all kinds of things lately. This is the one thing that I like about winter...there is not much else to do but stay inside and when I am inside I like to craft!

My daughter recently asked my about our wearing cloth placemats. She asked where they came from and such. I told her they were a wedding present for mommy and daddy...yikes almost 10 years ago...and that they were starting to wear out and we should get some new ones. She asked me if she could have her own special placemat so I agreed. I thought I should maybe crochet a few new ones and asked her what she wanted....she quickly said RAINBOW.

I looked through my cotton yarn and found some small balls of yarn and decided I would make her a colourful placemat.

This is what I came up with.

My daughter loves it and really enjoys using her new "rainbow" placemat.

My next project....for me....a crochet table runner in neutral browns.

New year...new items!

2009-01-15T10:39:00.003-06:00

I have tried to remain busy here so far this year. I have been crafting a lot...trying to keep busy and warm. Its so cold here right now!

After the rush of Christmas, I decided that it was time to take out my clay and do some more creating.

I have tried a few new techniques with my polymer clay and have a few new listings in my Etsy shop.

Here are a couple new listings:

I have also started listing beads in my shop too. They are polymer clay beads that I have made myself. Stay tuned though....more to come including some really great lentils!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T10:38:00.002-06:00

Where does time go?

The holiday season flew by for me....I didn't get a chance to come on here and wish all of you a Merry Christmas...so I guess I will do it now!

I hope 2009 brings all of you much joy and prosperity!

Thanks for reading my blog this past year and I hope you will continue in the new year! I hope to have some fun contests in my Etsy shop this year and lots of new and exciting listings!

Take care!

And the winner is............

2008-12-22T10:04:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to bastillebleu! You are the winner of my PCAGOE scavenger hunt!

You will receive your choice of my Guardian Angel pendant with necklace.

Thanks to all who entered, I had a total of 25 entries in my contest. I appreciate your entries and all of the wonderful and kind comments on my shop.

There are plans for another contest like this to be run in the future...stay tuned to my blog here for more details or visit the PCAGOE page.

Thanks again and Happy Holidays!

2008-12-12T15:20:00.006-06:00

Join the party! PCAGOE Holiday Scavenger Hunt

The Polymer Clay Artists Guild of etsy is hosting a Holiday Scavenger hunt.

To participate, simply go to my etsy shop and look for this hidden image somewhere in my products.

Once you’ve found the correct image, copy the url and convo me, pasting the url into the message and click send. This will enter your name into the drawing.

You must be a member of etsy. (pcagoe members excluded)

I will take entries until Midnight December 21st. I will announce the winner on my blog, Monday, December 22, using a random number generator to choose a lucky number from all the entries.

The lucky winner will receive their choice of my Guardian Angel Pendant Necklace.

Check out these shops also participating in the PCAGOE Holiday Scavenger Hunt:
Divadea
Tejae'sArt
SCDiva
PCDiva
OrganicOdysseys
VAharoni

Lynn's Little Creations

MarciaPalmer

Juliespace

Angeli

See more details here: http://www.pcagoe.com/ (will be updated soon)

Feel free to enter for each shop, but if you win in one shop you're not elgible to win in another. (sorry, trying to keep it fair for all participants.)

Good luck!

Black Friday Sale in My Shop!

2008-11-28T09:42:00.000-06:00

Hope all our American friends had a Happy Thanksgiving yesterday and that you are not too full of turkey today!

In honour of Black Friday...I am having a SALE in my Etsy shop! FREE SHIPPING on all items until December 1st!!!

This includes all packages including international ones!

Please stop by and check us out!

Happy shopping everyone!

I would like to share another of my hobbies!!!

2008-11-19T10:17:00.006-06:00

I do love to craft but haven't shared another of my hobbies with all of you.

Do you want to guess what it is?

You guessed it...soapmaking! These beauties are a few of my own from scratch soaps.

I have been soapmaking for...hmmm...lets see....at least five years now! And I haven't bought one of those icky store bought soaps since then! Let me tell you, our skin is very thankful for that! There is nothing compared to handmade soap! If you haven't tried it...maybe you should!

Well that first picture was just a teaser so here are a few soapy goodies! The blue is a Bay Rum scent and the other is what I call Orange Glow, a very nice bright orange scent. I do make others too but these are just a few to show for now.

I do not sell these (yet! maybe I will list on etsy if I get enough interest) but just wanted to share some of my other hobbies with all of you readers out there!

Have a great day!

37 days until Christmas!

2008-11-17T10:21:00.003-06:00

I was looking at my calendar today and realized that is is just over a month until Christmas! 37 Days to be exact!

Yikes, if you are like me, you haven't even really started shopping yet. But seeing the 37 makes me a little nervous! I think I will start shopping very soon...maybe I will start today even!

I want to try to shop online as much as possible and buy handmade too for my gift recipients. So I will be surfing Etsy, that is for sure!

If you haven't already visited, I have my own Etsy shop and I think it is filled with lots of great gift ideas!

Here are a couple examples I think would make any gift giver and recipient happy.

First is this desk calendar for 2009. It features my own photographs and is the perfect size to display on your desk. When it is all cold and snowy here, I will look at my calendar and dream of summer!

I also have these fantastic Christmas ornaments too! They are wire wrapped and each is unique! I think they look great hanging on a tree or even in a window as a suncatcher!

Etsy has lots to offer. I am sure you can find something for everyone on your list there! What have you found on etsy?

Happy shopping!

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T09:12:00.004-06:00

Boo! Its Halloween today!

My little ones are so excited today as I am sure all the kiddos out there are! I remember the excitement as a child too. I still look forward to seeing all the costumes of the kids too.

My daughter and I carved this pumpkin last night. I think he turned out kinda cool. She drew his face and I carved it out. I think she is pretty good for a 4 year old! Here he is:

Happy halloween everyone! Hope everyone has a SAFE and fun evening!

Wonderful fall comfort foods!

2008-10-30T14:49:00.003-06:00

It has been a little chilly lately. It always seems that when fall comes I want to make comfort foods. Tonight is spagetti with meatballs featuring homemade tomato sauce from my own garden tomatoes. And the onions used are from my garden too. I can't wait!

I thought I would share the tomato sauce recipe as it is a real winner and it is even very tasty used as a pizza sauce! I have even added it to a beshamel sauce and used it in baked macaroni and cheese. This recipe is a real winner!

Here it is:

2 c. finely chopped onions

1/3 cup olive oil

8 c. tomatoes (peeled and seeded...put through blender if you want...I used my food processor)

2 cans tomato paste

2 tbsp. oregano

2 tsp basil

2 tbsp. sugar

1 tbsp. salt

1/2 tsp. pepper

2 tbsp. finely chopped garlic

Start by cooking the onions in the olive oil until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about one minute. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for one hour. I cooked mine a little longer because I like a thicker sauce. Season more if preferred. You may can this sauce or it can be frozen.

Here is a photo of my sauce.....

Crafting madness!

2008-10-22T13:08:00.004-06:00

I have been busy crafting lately. Its great, I seem to have been hit with an ispiration bug lately! I have 3 shows to attend in November so I will need a lot of stock for then.

Here are a couple things I have been working on. First up is earrings....I have been making earrings galore to match pendants that I have on hand too...I think they are turning out quite nicely...aren't they? They are made of polymer clay beads I have created and are on sterling silver earwires.

Next up are these cute little guardian angels. They are made with a swarovski pearl and feature a polymer clay bead created by me as well. I am not sure what I will do with these little angels yet....maybe a bookmark or a pendant or a cell charm or keychain? Not too sure though...any suggestions? Please feel free to comment!

Take care and until next time!

Early Christmas Sale in My Etsy Shop!

2008-10-06T14:22:00.003-06:00

I am having an early Christmas sale in my etsy shop! Purchase anything in my shop and get 10 % off! This does not include shipping. The difference will be refunded to you via PayPal. To take advantage of this great sale please write this code in the NOTES TO SELLER section of your etsy purchase earlychristmas10.

Hurry though, sale is today October 6th through October 10th midnight etsy time!!!

Perfect purses for fall!

2008-10-03T13:35:00.002-06:00

Fall is definately here! The leaves are turning bright orange and falling from the trees! I hate to say it but winter will be here before you know it!

Purses are a great accessory at any time of the year and I have the perfect purses for fall. They are knit out of wool and felted. I have lined them with fabric and they close with a magnetic clasp. They are wonderful for fall and winter! Check them out here in my etsy shop!

Here are a couple of them I currently have available:

Happy Autumn!

2008-09-25T14:18:00.002-06:00

Well it is finally autumn here in this part of the world. So far, its been kind of nice outside. We did have a killing frost the other night and I am sad to say my garden is now finished.

I have been creating again though getting ready for fall sales! Here is my latest fall inspired item....Pumpkin Ripple. It can be found here in my etsy shop.

Please enjoy! For more great items, please visit my etsy shop!

Calendars are here!

2008-09-17T11:09:00.003-06:00

Just listed today in my shop are photo desk calendars! They would make excellent stocking stuffers or gifts.

Here is a sneak peek!

They are found here in my Etsy shop!

Enjoy your day!

I have been neglecting my blog lately....

2008-09-16T09:30:00.003-06:00

I realized this morning that I hadn't posted on here for almost two weeks! Yikes...where does that time go?

Hope everyone is enjoying the very last days of summer...I sure have!

I have been really busy...getting ready for some family celebrations and really creating like crazy! I have been making new jewelry and cards for my Etsy shop. Here are a couple sneak peeks...you will have to visit my shop to see the rest!

I would also let all you blog readers in on a little secret of something that I am currently working on...desk calendars for 2009. These 12 month calendars will feature some of my photography....stay tuned in my etsy shop....they will be out soon! Also, new pendants will be out soon too!

Trunk Show on Etsy!

2008-09-03T09:40:00.001-06:00

Get a jump on your holiday shopping with the Fall into Holiday Cheer Trunk Show the wonderfully talented Etsymom Street Team Members are hosting this Thursday, Sept. 4th at 7 pm in the Etsy Virtual Labs. Come find out what inspires the beautiful handcrafted artistry of this dedicated group of moms in business. Each Etsymom participant will display images of their work, share about their creative process and answer questions. Don't miss this first-time event for Etsymoms and an opportunity to buy some incredible handmade goods!

PCAGOE September Challenge...Texture!

2008-09-02T16:29:00.002-06:00

Its that time again, PCAGOE challenge time! This month's challenge was texture. There are lots of fabulous entries this month to choose from.

Go to http://www.pcagoe.com/ to check out all the great entries and vote! This month, there are two prize packs that two lucky winners will get just for voting!

I love taking pictures!

2008-08-27T14:33:00.002-06:00

I love taking photos. Capturing nature is one of my favorites...I love flowers and plants especially. I have listed a few sets in my Etsy Shop with greeting cards featuring some of my newest photos. Here are a couple sneak peeks for you.

I will be listing more sets and cards as I get them made. For others that I have in my shop, please check them out here!

New in my shop...a few Christmas ornaments

2008-08-15T15:22:00.002-06:00

Yes you did read correctly! Christmas ornaments!

Why not get your shopping done early? For all those early shoppers I have listed some unique wire wrapped Christmas tree ornaments. They could be used as window suncatchers too! They are found here in my shop!

I will probably be listing more in other colours so keep your eyes open and visit often!

Lots of zucchini...and Chocolate Zucchini Bundt Cake

2008-08-12T11:14:00.005-06:00

Why is it that every year I plant more than I need of zucchini? Maybe its my thinking...what if the plants don't come up or if it freezes shortly after they emerge. Anyways, the result is always way too much zucchini.

I have yet to find oodles of zucchini recipes that I love. I did find this one recipe from FabulousFoods.com for a chocolate zucchini bundt cake. I must say it is very dark and rich and tastes wonderful. It is not really sweet either, which I like. This is definately a keeper! I made a chocolate icing glaze for the top but it would be just fine sprinkled with icing sugar.

Here is the recipe:

3 cups shredded zucchini

3/4 cup cocoa

1 2/3 cup flour

2 cups sugar

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

3 eggs (or 3/4 cup egg substitute)

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 tsp. vanilla

Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat a 9" bundt pan with cooking spray and lightly dust with 2 tbsp. cocoa powder. (I just dusted with flour as I was low on cocoa powder)

In a large bowl combine cocoa, flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda and salt.

In a small bowl combine eggs, oil and vanilla.

Add egg mixture to dry ingredients and beat vigourously to combine until well blended. This mixture is VERY STIFF!!

Stir in shredded zucchini until well blended, pour batter into pan and bake for 50 - 55 minutes until cake tester comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 20 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

Like I mentioned before this is when you sprinkle with icing sugar if preferred or glaze. I glazed with a chocolate glaze.

Here is my chocolate zucchini bundt.

If anyone has any other zucchini recipes they would like to share, please let me know. I am always willing to try out new recipes!