Happy New Year Everyone!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE. I WISH FOR EVERYONE A SAFE, HEALTHY AND THE BEST OF LUCK TO EVERYONE IN THE NEW YEAR!!

Remember, no drinking and driving. I want you all back here in 2012!!!!

♥♥

White Shawl!

Here is a beautiful shawl that I have in my shop that is great for those cool evenings. This shawl can be worn for dress up nights or for casual wear too.

All white with a lacy edging, this is the perfect shawl to feel frilly and feminine!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing all my family and friends a very Merry Christmas!!! Happy New Year too!

Let's all wish for a New Year full of happiness, peace, and harmony.

To my family and friends, I love you all dearly.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
♥♥♥♥

I won! I won

I won this elf on facebook. ClayItAgain had a give away and I won!!! He's made out of polymer clay and you will not believe the detail on this little guy! I'm so excited that I won and Elfy now resides on the front of my Christmas tree!! See what else she has in her shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ClayItAgain
You won't believe it. The detail on these items is incredible!!!!!

Peanut Butter Blossom Cookies with Hershey Kisses

My Favorite Holiday Cookies!

Skill Level:

Beginner

Prep Time:

20 Minutes

Ingredients

• 48 HERSHEY'S KISSES Brand Milk Chocolates
• 1/2 cup shortening
• 3/4 cup REESE'S Creamy Peanut Butter
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Granulated sugar

Heat oven to 375°F. Remove wrappers from chocolates.

Beat shortening and peanut butter in large bowl until well blended. Add 1/3 cup granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat until fluffy. Add egg, milk and vanilla; beat well. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into peanut butter mixture. 

Shape dough into 1-inch balls. Roll in granulated sugar; place on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Immediately press a chocolate into center of each cookie.
Cookie will crack around edges. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

About 4 dozen cookies.

Very Brave!!!

Words of wisdom!

Handmade Adult Scarf and Hat Set Dusty Rose Color

Here is a great set that would make a wonderful gift this Christmas. The scarf is a dusty rose in color and measures 68" long and 7" wide. Its made with soft worst weight yarn and feels good around your neck. The stitch is a very pretty stitch and will keep you toasty and warm all winter.
That hat fits any adult size head and has the same stitch as the scarf. Its the same dusty rose in color as the hat.
Both these items are machine washable and dryable but I would recommend hand washing and drying flat so it retains its shape.

Happy Shopping!

Everything Is Under Control

Don't you just love a take charge squirrel?

Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. 
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. 
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. 
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. 

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. 

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. 

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Author unknown

New Victorian Colored Fingerless Gloves

New fingerless gloves in my Etsy shop!

These gloves have the deep red color of a Victorian glove and it's such a pretty color. Their very warm and it's a tight stitch with scallops on both ends.

A ribbed stitch is in the wrist part of the glove and they will keep you toasty but still have your fingers free!

Santa Christmas Cloth Wreath

Since the season is coming closer, I thought I would post one of my cloth Christmas Wreaths. These wreaths are great because they can't crush. Made with cloth glued into the wreath, I have here a plush Santa glued on too. Finished with a wire bow and you have a very festive Christmas wreath that will last for years and years!!!

New Fingerless Gloves!

New fingerless gloves just listed in my shop!
From what I'm hearing these are very much in demand right now so I decided to make another pair. The fur on the cuff is fake. Just wanted to clear that up!!! For more fingerless gloves, go to my shop and look under the section of Fingerless Gloves!!

HUH???????

Free Sites To Promote Your Etsy Shop

Recently I posted a thread in the Etsy Forum. It received so much feedback that I wanted to post it here too for all to see. These are free sites!! So get in there and start promoting your Etsy shop!!!!


New sites!!!! Updated!

plumdrop.com (you can add venues such as your shop, blog, website etc.)
etsylush.com ( you can submit one item of yours every 24 hrs)

pinterest.com (You make boards, like treasuries. People like and re-pin items. You name the boards anything you like)

stumbleupon.com (Read help link below. Worth joining)
www.theredheadriter.com/2011/05/how-to-guide-for-stumbleupon.html

Squidoo.com (you make lens about a subject, like your shop etc. Ads are put there and you get paid when someone clicks on as ad.
Twitter.com ( you can tweet an item from your shop right on your item page. Do it all day)
Facebook.com (advertise your shop and items)
Craftgawker.com (Does not accept anything from Etsy but submit your blog, which has your shop name in it)

Craigslist.com (go to classified ads for sale and then to crafts)

craftseekers.com (Go to submit a site and add your shop to the free bronze listing)
craftjuice.com (list an item of yours anytime you want)

100craftlinks.com/cgi-bin/ldb/ldb.pl (I get lots of views from here)

gallery.tryhandmade.com/ (Submit your favorite listing)
kaboodle.com (Join and add items from your Etsy shop or website. People can follow you and you follow them)
yaami.com/
tumblr.com (Join and add items from your shop. People can follow you and you can follow them)
www.wanelo.com (have to sign in thru facebook)
linkreferral.com (Join and put your site on there)
artchain.com (Where it says Submit Artist Listing, put your shop in)
thefind.com (Go to the bottom where it says submit a site and put your shop or website in)
Ravelry.com (for crocheters or knitters)
thingspeoplemake.com (Sign in using Facebook. Shows your items from your shop)

gumtree.com (UK & Australia) (Post an ad for your shop)

mywebees.com ( this lets you put your shop on facebook but you have to go thru them. Read carefully)

coolmaterial.com/basic-listing-the-black-book/ (This site is focused on marketing to men)

digg.com (search engine)


Now we have more from ValValVoom,

etsyhacks.com/greasemonkey/ (Etsy tools)
myhandmaderegistry.com/ (List your items from your shop or website)
etsywishlist.com/ (Put your Etsy items on)
reddit.com/r/etsy (Put Etsy items on)
craftcult.com/treasury_widget.php (Tools to put Etsy treasuries on your blog, website)
directory.everythingetsy.com/ (List your Etsy shop for free!)
cr8tivity.com/ (Etsy tools)
handmademarketing.org/ (Sell your items here)
artfire.com/modules.php?name=forums&op=view_topic&tid=10816 (Sell your items)
freecraftylinks.com/ (Place an ad for your shop)
bit.ly/ (Track your links)
lookbook.nu/ (Post your own fashion looks)
craftopolis.com/ (Tools for Etsy)

stylishhome.com/Community/fabDesign-Bookmarks (Submit a link)
youtube.com/ (Upload a video about your shop. If you have Windows Movie Maker its very easy)
about.me/ (Put your info in about you and your shop)
linkytools.com/ (Tools for your Blog)
_________________________________________________________

From Clairesparklesbridal


plus.google.com (Like Facebook only better I think. Going to be the next Facebook)
Indiepublic.com (Put info in about your shop)
______________________________________________________________________

ecrater.com/ (free online marke tplace to sell on)
blujay.com/index (free online market place to sell on)
bonanza.com (free online market place to sell on)
smashion.com (can sell any fashion items including clothing, accessories, beauty & cosmetic products, and footwear)
___________________________________________________________

From TNTees
www.attackofthecraft.com/stage/
www.handmadetop10.com (List an item and people will vote on it. If they click, it takes them to your item)

www.craftersbuzz.com (links only to your shop, but can advertise single items)
www.thehandmadecafe.com (may ways to promote - ads, forum, blogs, photos, and/or site)
www.thehandmadedirectory.com
www.unanimouscraft.com (link to shop and update with new listings)
www.boingboing.net/submit/
www.kijiji (Canada only)
www.ebayclassifieds.com (US only)
www.aluminouspublishing.com/linkexchangepage.php
www.freecraftylinks.com (can be your shop and/or individual items. Also has banner exchange and artist of the month. I was selected!)
www.thecraftshopper.com (US only)
www.craftytips.com
www.widgetbox.com (great use for your Etsy feed - shows a photo, title and description of your first 10 listings. Adds you to their directory and lets others post your feed on their site easily.)

The following list of websites can be used to promote your blogs or other websites you run and host yourself. Most require you add a reciprocal link and users can’t add external code to their Etsy sites so they won’t work here.
www.relevantdirectory.ca (Canadian based)
www.relevantdirectory.com (for anyone)
www.2handmade.com
www.greatpremiumdirectory.com
www.gotop100.com/directory/ (exchange banners or run your own)
www.aussiecrafts.com.au (for Australians)

How To Make Gift Bags From Envelopes!

I'm on a Cat Kick!

I think this picture doesn't need any words with it! The picture alone says it all!!!

Sometimes We All Just Need A Hug

Don't you feel like getting a hug sometimes? I think we all do. That's why I love this picture so much. Cause when you need a hug, just go get one. ♥

Halloween Wreath!

Here is a Halloween wreath made with Halloween material. The material is glued in so it will never fall out. The bow is a wired Halloween bow with pumpkins and bats on it. Black and orange material are used for this wreath and its very full! Its made on a 12" wreath but with all the material it's about 15-16" around. I like my wreaths full and this is full! So decorate this Halloween season with a pretty wreath on your door. BOO!

Plumdrop!

I recently joined Plumdrop and love it! Come and see my profile and some items from my Etsy shop!!! Just click on the picture to the left and you're there. Why not join too???

WILL THE REAL CAT PLEASE STAND UP!

aaaah, I don't think so. Now sit back down please.

How To Make A Seven Flower Pop Up!

The Wedding Party Story

At a wedding party someone yelled, "All the married men please stand next to the one person who has made your life worth living."
The bartender was nearly crushed to death.

New Autumn or Victorian Colored Wreath!

I listed this new wreath today. The colors remind me of a Victorian wreath. The roses are deep red and dusty rose. This is a 14" wreath with a pretty dusty rose wired bow. There are leafs placed between the roses. I'm beginning to think I can make these roses in my sleep!!!!

Ya Gotta Love This!!!!

AN ACTUAL CRAIG'S LIST PERSONALS AD To the Guy Who Tried to Mug Me in Downtown  Savannah  night before last. Date: 2010-09-27, 1:43 a.m.  EST I was the guy wearing the black Burberry jacket that you demanded that I hand over, shortly after you pulled the knife on me and my girlfriend, threatening our lives. You also asked for my girlfriend's purse and earrings. I can only hope that you somehow come across this rather important message.  First, I'd like to apologize for your embarrassment; I didn't expect you to actually crap in your pants when I drew my pistol after you took my jacket.. The evening was not that cold, and I was wearing the jacket for a reason.. my girlfriend was happy that I just returned safely from my 2nd tour as a Combat Marine in Afghanistan.. She had just bought me that Kimber Custom Model 1911 .45 ACP pistol for my birthday, and we had picked up a shoulder holster for it that very evening. Obviously you agree that it is a very intimidating weapon when pointed at your head ... isn't it?!  I know it probably wasn't fun walking back to wherever you'd come from with that brown sludge in your pants. I'm sure it was even worse walking bare-footed since I made you leave your shoes, cell phone, and wallet with me. [That prevented you from calling or running to your buddies to come help mug us again].  After I called your mother or "Momma" as you had her listed in your cell, I explained the entire episode of what you'd done. Then I went and filled up my gas tank as well as those of four other people in the gas station, -- on your credit card. The guy with the big motor home took 153 gallons and was extremely grateful!  I gave your shoes to a homeless guy outside Vinnie Van Go Go's, along with all the cash in your wallet. [That made his day!]  I then threw your wallet into the big pink "pimp mobile" that was parked at the curb .... after I broke the windshield and side window and keyed the entire driver's side of the car.  Later, I called a bunch of phone sex numbers from your cell phone. Ma Bell just now shut down the line, although I only used the phone for a little over a day now, so what 's going on with that? Earlier, I managed to get in two threatening phone calls to the DA's office and one to the FBI, while mentioning President Obama as my possible target.  The FBI guy seemed really intense and we had a nice long chat (I guess while he traced your number etc.) In a way, perhaps I should apologize for not killing you ... but I feel this type of retribution is a far more appropriate punishment for your threatened crime. I wish you well as you try to sort through some of these rather immediate pressing issues, and can only hope that you have the opportunity to reflect upon, and perhaps reconsider, the career path you've chosen to pursue in life.. Remember, next time you might not be so lucky. Have a good day! Thoughtfully yours, Semper Fi, Alex

 

Double Delight Ice Cream Cake

This looks so good I had to post it!

Ingredients

1 pkg. (1 lb.) Chocolate Chip Cookies (42 cookies), divided
1/3 cup margarine or butter, melted
1 cup hot fudge ice cream topping, divided
3 cups vanilla ice cream, divided
3 cups chocolate ice cream, divided
1 cup thawed COOL WHIP Whipped Topping
7 maraschino cherries

Directions
CRUSH 30 of the cookies. Mix cookie crumbs and margarine; press 2/3 of the crumb mixture onto bottom of 9-inch spring form pan or pie plate. Stand remaining 12 cookies around edge of pan. Microwave 3/4 cup of the sundae topping as directed on pkg.; drizzle onto bottom of crust. Freeze 15 min.
SOFTEN 1-1/2 cups of each flavor of ice cream; spread, 1 layer at a time, over fudge layer in crust. Sprinkle with remaining crumb mixture. Scoop remaining ice cream into balls; place over crumb layer.
FREEZE 4 hours or until firm. Microwave remaining 1/4 cup sundae topping as directed on pkg. Top dessert with whipped topping, the sundae topping and cherries just before serving. Store leftover dessert in freezer.

Prep Time: 30 Min
Servings: 12

THE ECONOMY IS SO BAD

I received a pre-declined credit card in the mail. 


CEO's are now playing miniature golf. 


Exxon Mobil laid off 25 Congressmen. 


Angelina Jolie adopted a child from America.


Motel Six won't leave the light on anymore.


A picture is now only worth 200 words.


They renamed Wall Street "Wal-Mart Street"

Quotes

Here are some quotes that I think are worth reading.

*Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.
*Giving up smoking is the easiest thing in the world. I know because I've done it thousands of times
*If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.
*The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is   prepared to die at any time.
*We have the best government that money can buy
*Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.
*Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.


Know who said all these quotes??? Well I'll tell you. It was Mark Twain!

A Mom And Her Child

♥ A mom thinks about her child even if they're not with her.
♥ A mom loves her child in a way that they will never understand.
♥ A mom will be there for her child when no one else will.
♥ A mom will catch a grenade, take a bullet, stand in front of a train, & ask God to take her instead of her child.
♥ If you have children then you will understand this ♥

One More Time

There are moments in life when you wish you could bring someone down from Heaven and spend the day with them just one more time, give them one more hug, hear their voice again, kiss them goodbye. One more chance to say 'I Love you'. 

Say it now before it's to late.

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Expensive Shipping And A Very Funny Thread

I saw a really humorous thread today in the Etsy forums about shipping. Here is the link http://www.etsy.com/teams/7722/business-topics/discuss/8756866/page/1/

Although most of it was done with humor (and it is funny) it is a very real truth! Shipping is expensive today and going up all the time. So many of us don't charge enough and end up paying for the freight out of our own pockets. Also, because Etsy list countries and not states, we can't put in our descriptions how much it will be to send to a specific place. I for one wish Etsy would change that. I'll put in a shipping rate of $7.00 and then someone from California will buy a wreath from me and the shipping then goes up to $10.00. Can't win.

But it's nice to see that people have a sense of humor about shipping rates. I wonder how many people have to pay when they don't get the shipping rate right. Any solution? Charge to much? Then no one will want to buy our items. Charge to little? Then we don't make any profit when we have to pay for the extra shipping rate that we didn't count on.

So what to do about shipping? I'd love to hear ideas. Ship on!

Hat and Scarf Set

Here is an adult hat and scarf set that will keep you warm all Winter!!! Made with soft yarn, the scarf has pom poms on the ends instead of the usual fringe. The hat will cover your ears and keep you snug in the freezing weather. The scarf is 75" long and 4" wide. The colors in this set are pink, white, green and brown so you won't have a problem matching it with your coat! Stay cozy this coming Winter with this great set!!! ♥

Beautiful Autumn Wreath

Autumn is on it's way and will be here before you know it. Here is a wonderful Autumn wreath that will brighten up any door or room. Made with orange cloth cotton fabric, this wreath will last for years because you can't crush it. It's easy to store away and even the wire bow is easy to fluff up again. Get started with your Autumn decorations now!! Click on the title above to see this wreath in my shop.

Baby It's Hot Out There

Well the temperature has been high the last few weeks but today we're going to reach an all time high. Temperature today will be 100 degrees but feel like 110!!! I love summer but itsn't that a bit much??? How high is the temperature where you are? I love the heat but it's the humidity that I can't handle and it's going to be high until Sunday when it goes back down to 85 degrees and low humidity. Well we complain in the Winter when it's cold and we complain in the Summer when it's hot but I'll take the Summer over Winter anytime!!!! Stay cool everyone! ☼

Easter Wreath

Easter is getting closer and will be her before you know it! This Easter wreath is made with white material, it has a light purple wire bow with Easter eggs on it. Two little glittering bunnies are on each side with 4 Easter glittering eggs on the bottom. On each side of the bow is a dark purple pansy. This wreath will last for many many Easters to come. All of my cloth wreaths have the cloth glued in place so you never have to worry about cloth falling out. Cloth wreaths are so easy to store because they never crush. Fluff them and they're ready to hang!

New Treasury

New Treasury! The Kiss http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d483a3bf1016d910f828401/the-kiss

Pretty Crochet Wreath with Roses & Butterfly

Here is a pretty Valentine wreath with roses and a butterfly. This can also be used for a Spring and summer wreath too. These wreaths are so much prettier in real life and I've had people say that in my feedback. All crocheted and very hard to crush so they store well. ♥

Valentine Wreath

Here is a great wreath for Valentine's day. It is all crocheted and has tiny pink roses on it and a pink bow at the top. Would make a great addition to any room or door. This is a 12" wreath and will last for years to come! ♥♥