Collagical

Upcyclers 24 Hour Earth Day Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 11:38:00 +0000

Happy Earth Day!

Team Upcyclers is celebrating Earth Day with these 21 eco-friendly shops! Each amazing shop is offering their favorite Earth Day Tip AND an Earth Day coupon! These special savings are ONLY for TODAY! Yep, that's right! 24 hours of UPCYCLED SAVINGS just to celebrate Earth Day 2012!

Our shops have joined together to offer you the SAME COUPON CODE for easy shopping: UpcycleEarthDay

Lower case, capital, it doesn't matter this special coupon will work at ALL participating Upcyclers shops. Coupon will work differently at each shop though. Check out the shops' specific savings (and their Earth Day tips) below:

Earth Love

Offering fine art crafts made from recycled materials including memory boxes, steampunk design wind chimes, votive holders, and much more for your home and garden.

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 20% off!

Earth Love's Green Living Tip:

Cardboard paper rolls (toilet paper, paper towels, wrapping paper) make excellent packing materials. They amount to 160 million tons of trash yearly when thrown into regular trash.

ArtAgain by Michelle

Offing hand dyed and upcycled accessories such as this Upcycled Bottle Cap Bookmarks! Ten percent of their sales are donated to Animal Rescue.

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 10% off!

ArtAgain's Earth Day Tip:

The fronts and backs of cereal boxes make GREAT mailing envelopes for smaller items. Cut the box apart, fold the panel in half, tape the long and one short side with packing tape. Slip in your item and seal. Tape shipping label to package and ship!

Jewelry by Channing Taylor

Offering jewelry made from re-purposed antique and vintage finds. Each piece is full of history and one of a kind, like this pretty field necklace!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 20% off!

Channing Taylor's Earth Day Tip:

I keep the glass jars, plastic containers and cardboard boxes from food products I buy to store jewelry supplies, protect things I'm shipping and leftovers!

Our Children's Earth

Offering eco-friendly creations for you, your home and your children! They have a large section of eco supplies and we love their upcycled record bowls!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 30% off everything except the Didgeridoo's!

Our Children's Earth Earth Day Tip:

One of the best ways to help the Earth is to Reuse items. So instead of throwing clothing away create a Clothing Swap. Then your friends, neighbors and coworkers can come and swap clothes for themselves and their kids.

Mike's T Shirt Yarn

Offering recycled T-shirt yarn and items upcycled from T-shirts. Mike selects beautiful colors, like this bulk lot of minty green yarn!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 10% off!

Mike's T Shirt Yarn Earth Day Tip:

Save Water. When I shower I run the water long enough to get all wet. Then I turn the water off while I get all soapy. Turn the water back on and rinse. Saves water, saves energy heating the water and reduces my water heating costs.

The Wooden Bee

Offering ecofriendly home decor and upcycled craft supplies, like these DIY wine cork coasters.

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 10% off!

The Wooden Bee's Earth Day Tip:

Lower your thermostat, or buy a programmable thermostat. We purchased one last year and have had lower electric bills since we installed it!

k5art

Offering Scrabble tile pendants and other upcycled creations. Check out this lovely tile necklace!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 20% off!

k5art's Earth Day Tip:

Change all your billing statements to paperless and make your payments online to cut down on paper cost and waste

remainewicked

Offering reincarnated wares for you, your home and the earth! Check out this cell phone case made from a men's tie.

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 20% off!

Rain from remainewicked gave several Earth Day tips:

buy local
buy organic
grow your own
reduce
reuse
recycle
repurpose
upcycle
be a friend :)

Idle Hands Yarn Supply

Offering a large variety of recycled yarn, t-shirt yarn, and other upcycled fabric finds.

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 20% off!

Idle Hands Yarn Supply's Earth Day Tip:

So my new passion is clothing that is upcycled from unwanted clothing. I know shops on Etsy that makes the cutest women's undies from unwanted t-shirts, dresses from fabric taken from unwanted clothing, purses made from unwanted leather bomber jackets, and more. Upcycled clothes have more personality and are always one of a kind. :)

This N That by Nikki

Offering handmade upcycled vintage jewelry, like this classy necklace!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 15% off!

This N That's Earth Day Tip:

Buy recycled products, that way there is more of an incentive for people to recycle.

Gloomstopper Studio

Offering uncommon paper mache sculptures and upcycled jewelry, like this pretty earrings made from a bicycle inner tube.

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 15% off!

Gloomstopper Studio's Earth Day Tips:

Know what your recycling company accepts and recycle everything you can, look at local programs that recycle less common products (electronics, Styrofoam, etc). If possible, buy long lasting products instead of more disposable products. Keep reusable bags in an easy to remember place for trips to the store.

Coolclimates

Offering one of a kind art yarn, handspun yarns, and other unique creations, like this upcycled yarn called Aruba!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 10% off!

Coolclimates' Earth Day Tip:

I use old clothes, bedsheets and linens and recycle them into ribbon yarn to knit or crochet!

RoseMauve

Offering handmade accessories, sewn, crocheted, embroidered...and upcycled! Like this beautiful upcycled pincushion!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 10% off!

RoseMauve Earth Day Tip:

Make compost! It is so simple and reduces a lot your garbage volume. Plus, you can grow your own wonderful vegetables!

D'Ekoprojects

Offering upcycled jewelry from recycled plastic and paper beads, like this beautiful necklace!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 30% off!

D'Ekoprokects Earth Day Tip is:

Don't throw it away - think what else can you do with it.

Collagical

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 20% off!

Collagical's Earth Day Tip:

Read Love 2 Upcycle's daily online newspaper for environmental tips and news!

ReWoolables

Offerings useful items sewn from repurposed wool sweaters, like these fun wine glass collars!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for FREE shipping on dosmetic orders!

ReWoolables Earth Day Tip:

We cut up paper that we incorrectly printed on, or junk mail that isn't printed on the back side, and staple them as a pad of paper for jotting down notes.

Love in Everything

Offering one of a kind creations for your one of a kind child! Like these adorable dresses!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 10% off!

Love in Everything's Earth Day Tip:

If you haven't started, try growing your own food. It can be a few pots of veggies, but it will make a big difference. It will give you an appreciation and connection to your food that has been lost.

SweetSomeday

Offering repurposed home decor treasures, like license plate birdhouses!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 10% off!

SweetSomeday's Earth Day Tip:

Use re-usable water bottles whenever possible. Although the stores are now offering water bottles that use less plastic, you are using no plastic at all if you just bring your own water bottle and refill at a sink, water fountain, or water cooler.

I'm Sew Pretty

Offering vintage sewing patterns, vintage linens, vintage clothing, vintage accessories and more!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 20% off!

I'm Sew Pretty's Earth Day Tip:

Follow Team Upcyclers boards on Pinterest for tons of upcycled ideas and creations. One of our favorite boards: LOVE 2 DIY

Photo Art by cnicely

Offering prints, digital sheets and JPEG's of my original photo art, vintage and antique photos, greeting cards, postcards, and more!

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 20% off!

Photo Art by cnicely Earth Day Tip:

Subscribe to Team Upcyclers Facebook feed for weekly upcycled updates, handmade treasuries, eco giveaways, and other reusable news.

Flower 7

Offering Glass art with a new focus on Recycled Glass.

Enter coupon code UpcycleEarthDay at checkout for 15% off!

Flower 7 Earth Day Tip:

Start an herb garden. If you live in a condo, you can get other people to grow gardens and trade herbs.

Celebrate Earth Day by supporting Upcyclers! And remember, Make Everyday Earth Day!

Everybody Loves Some~Bunny!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:27:00 +0000

Spring is here and Easter's on it's way! If you are like me, you've got to love all the wonderfully sweet images that spring conjures up~ flowers blooming, green grass, birds nesting and, my absolute favorite, BUNNIES! Here's some bunny themed items I found on Etsy~ including one from my other shop, I'm Sew Pretty!

'Everybody Loves Some~Bunny!' by collagical

Spring is here~ Bring on the bunnies!

Bunny Love: eco-friendl... bouclenoire $28.00	Some Bunny To Love Neck... ShopMichL $11.00	Soft, Upcycled Bunny dentdelion $20.00	Shabby Bunny Rabbit Pil... ITSYOURCOUNTRY $21.99
SALE 25% OFF Chenille M... VeryCreativeCr... $18.00	Recycled Feed Sack Rabb... frankcluck $18.00	Vintage Mother Goose Re... aboundingtreas... $30.00	Bluebell Bunny - Upcycl... whitedandelion $29.95
Butterick Crafts Luv &#... ImSewPretty $8.00	Easter Sale 20% off Fin... Sew4Munchkins $6.80	Birthday Bunny in Pink ... mPerfectlyRepu... $5.00	HANDMADE Gift Tags - Vi... BabylonScissor... $6.00
Peter Rabbit Bracelet bibliobags $15.00	Abundance Box silk tape... brizel4TheAnim... $59.00	Pattern to make Recycle... FeltedWoolies $1.99	Bunny Mini Garden Totem GardenWhimsies... $27.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Will You Sign?

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:01:00 +0000

'On the dotted line........' by collagical

a collection of dots, lines and other geometrics from Upcyclers, an Etsy team whose members Love 2 Upcycle!

Geometric Upcycled Pill... debupcycles $16.00	Necktie Bag: an eco-fri... bouclenoire $55.00	Soft Circles Embroidere... aimeere $15.00	Tiny vintage embroidere... BylinaStudio $25.00
Elephant - Jungle Anima... WalterSilva $14.00	Recycled Can Earrings -... JenMcLamb $28.00	Upcycled table/ accent ... LeLampiste $225.00	SALE Striped pink dress... Relogyyy $70.00
Black White Dots on Whi... aboundingtreas... $4.50	Upcycled T-Shirt Woven,... thechicpea $42.00	Naughty or Nice Cigar B... fiorelladesign... $48.00	Mandala Zafu. Tan Back... sarahsquiltsnc... $55.00
Felted Wool Sweater Mit... jmariecreates $29.00	Giftwrap flowers upcycl... kmj165 $2.50	Stripe Napkin Rings wit... notsewnew $5.00	Brooch Fiber Art - Soft... thegraydeer $8.30

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Upcyclers Giveaway Extravaganza!!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:36:00 +0000

Since I'm sponsoring a Giveaway for Upcyclers that offers an entry for following my blog~ and since I haven't posted since (ACK!) June, I thought it best to catch up with you!

It's been a crazy year keeping up with our team of Etsy sellers who Love 2 Upcycle, whose members now number over 1600! But I love it, and all the effort is so worthwhile, especially with all the gratitude from thankful members, and knowing we are making a difference is the best reward of all!

This past week, we offered a Countdown to Christmas Giveaway Extravaganza with daily chances to enter to win upcycled goods from our members. Each giveaway has five days to enter and the final deadline is Midnight, Christmas Eve! I'm giving away a purse charm themed 'Shop Til You Drop' that seemed perfect for the Holiday shopping rush~

You can also enter our other 4 Giveaways by clicking on each of the following pics!

It's times like this I wish I could enter our Upcyclers' Giveaways~ but I'm thrilled to offer these fantastic Etsy items to our followers on Love 2 Upcycle and here on Collagical!

Good Luck to all who enter and have a
Merry GREEN Christmas!

Name This Tune!!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 02:01:00 +0000

'In a Cabin, In the Woods, Monster by the Window Stood...' by collagical

...saw a rabbit hopping by, knockin' at the door."Help me, Help me, sir," he said, I ate the farmer's lettuce bed."Come on in!" the monster cried,And sit down by the fireside... ~The Muppets

Elijay Log Cabin Pi... theearlygirl $35.00	Eco-Friendly, Upcyc... OllieAndRose $25.00	Kilroy's Summer... lovercraft $30.00	Lavender House - Sa... TheLavenderRoa... $18.00
Felt &Recycled fabr... OneEyedDolls $19.99	Rabbit - Mini Wall ... WalterSilva $10.00	Reusable Produce Ba... TNTees $6.50	Hand printed / hand... MorgynStranaha... $20.00
I Heart Farmers Rec... SoulshineStudi... $14.00	Green Leafy LETTUCE... NoteArt $6.99	Red upcycled welcom... EmilyGibbs $24.00	Fireside Banjo Prin... VisionsByBeth $15.00
Old Cabin in the Wo... aguavino $10.00	COME ON IN upcycled... tomboyART $110.00	Fireside AdamGudeon $35.00	Spring Time - Plate... BeachcombersDa... $30.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Man Up...Cycle!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Tue, 17 May 2011 19:14:00 +0000

Dad's Day is coming up and gift ideas are a welcome sight for frustrated shoppers looking for that perfect something for the hardest to please recipient! Maybe that's why we buy so many ties~ sheer frustration drives us to settle on an easy out. Luckily, Etsy has an amazing array of choices to please almost any father, and this is one time of the year that Upcyclers truly shine! One of the hottest trends right now are handmade masculine gifts upcycled from industrial by-products and salvaged materials. Here are just a few from Upcyclers, an Etsy team whose members Love 2 Upcycle!

Waterproof Eco Fashion Man Bag by Katcha Bilek
Pin It

This Reclaimed Barnwood Table / Bench by Atomic Attic would be perfect in his 'Man Cave'!

A Porcelain Eight Ball Wine Stopper by DroxDesigns~

Man's Best Friend? Ricochet Roy Metal Dog by Voigt Metal

T-Rex Dinosaur Skull by JohnBirdsong~ Not sure if he bites!

Keep it Cool with a Tree Branch Beer Cozy by EvesLittleEarthlings

And every 'King of the Castle' needs a great throne~ This New West Heritage Mission Chair by Original Metal Works will have him sitting in style!

For more ideas and original handmade goods from Upcyclers, stop by the team's blog and take a stroll through the Galleries!

Lavender's Blue~

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 11:47:00 +0000

'Lavender's Blue~' by collagical

Lavender's blue~Billy Billy,Lavender's green.When you are king~Billy Billy,I'll be your queen...

Stargazing -Artist print - H... MollysFollies $10.50	Pink Posies For Mom EllieMacDesign... $75.00
Wool Owl Ornament - Reclaime... TheLavendarTre... $8.00	Lavender pants birds crochet... scrollwork $80.00
Sale Silver Necklace with Gl... mutti $18.00	Record Clock - Pretty Peacoc... OnTheRecordBW $35.00
Flowers and bees thank you c... coollight $7.00	Green Satin Rosette Vintage ... takupic27 $24.50
Sea Turtle with Peace Sign S... CreamNoSugar $7.75	FREE SHIPPING rosy brooch in... remadeshop $16.00
the way into spring handspun... coolclimates $35.00	English guard earrings tournesoldenui... $6.00
Girly-girl - Guitar String E... alizarine $12.00	Magazine Tray UpcycledStuff $45.00
Felt Ball Necklace Crochete... mhandmade $16.00	Embroidered Quilted Silk Hot... HushSpace $38.00

Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.

Happy Easter!

Hoppin' Down The Bunny Trail~

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 13:36:00 +0000

HIPPITY HOP!

Easter's on it's way...

And the best thing it brings is spring! With all it's wonder and glory~ budding blooms and fresh new outfits, Sunday best shoes and fresh cut hair, slicked back or curled like days gone by. When all the silly resolutions of New Year's have gone unresolved, Spring gives us another chance to be fresh again. No bright lights, horns or wild promises, spring relies instead upon sunlit mornings fresh with dew on flower blossoms...

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"
~Robin Williams

April prepares her green traffic light and the world thinks Go.
~Christopher Morley, John Mistletoe

Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.
~Doug Larson

If I had my life to live over, I would start barefoot earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. ~Nadine Stair

Dance as if no one were watching,
Sing as if no one were listening,
And live every day as if it were your last.

Feeling SPRING~y!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:34:00 +0000

'a Spring in my SteP!' by collagical

It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain

Green Frog Painted ... ShebboDesign $20.00	instant vintage rub... DrVintage $8.00	Nautical Blue & Whi... TheBowMakers $8.00	El Nicho by a 10 Ye... TresLocas $35.00
Recycled Pink Chick... frankcluck $18.00	Basket hand woven o... SewDanish $24.00	Hippity Hoppity Han... twirliewhirlie... $8.00	Felted egg with sun... astashtoys $8.00
Mini Tote, Rainbow ... merahmuda $24.00	Rosy Irish Linen Ha... retronona $55.00	Upcycled Lilies of ... WrensandRoses $16.50	Easter Chicks and E... believeinURdre... $29.95
Cottage Chic Chippy... FunkyJunkCompa... $15.00	MADE TO ORDER. Upcy... 5thseason $47.00	Upcycled bunny soft... 5orangepotatoe... $25.00	Beige Sweater Boot ... lovedanewcreat... $30.00

Treasury tool is sponsored by Lazzia.com A/B image testing.

Happy Spring!

Wouldja Wanna Ouija...

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Thu, 17 Feb 2011 20:47:00 +0000

Wouldja Wanna Ouija Board? I did!

just like the one i found!

I was thrilled when I came across one today on my Thrifty Thursday trek! No, I don't believe in them, but the artwork is awesome! The box gave no indication that the board inside would be in such great shape, not an antique board, but definitely a classic no matter what!

Of course, curiosity always gets this Cat going, so off I went to Google: and, Lo and behold, what to my mystified eyes did appear? THE MUSEUM OF TALKING BOARDS! Who would have thought you could visit a virtual museum for Ouija boards...fascinating trivia, a gallery of boards from 1891 until the present, FAQ's (had any burning questions about Ouija boards, lately?), history, scientific theories and, of course, spooky stories! One of my favorite things was a feature on the main page: you move a planchette around with your cursor!

You absolutely have to pay a visit for yourself, it is well worth your time and I promise...you won't be "board"!

Check out some of my other "mystifying" finds:

Happy Thrifty Thursday,

My Funny Valentine

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Sun, 13 Feb 2011 22:53:00 +0000

My funny Valentine,
sweet comic Valentine,
You make me smile with my heart.
Your looks are laughable, unphotographable,
Yet, you're my favorite work of art...

Whether you love the way Ella sings it or Frank's version- it's a classic! And although Valentine's is full of romance, it should make you smile, too!

So here are my funny Valentines, my favorite works of art...

Happy Valentine's Day!

You Can "Take It Easy"- with Art from Veer!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 20:27:00 +0000

It's funny that the illustrations I used for my new header, twitter badge and for my shops on Etsy and Artfire, came from an artist on Veer called "TAKEITEASY ART"! I had decided to do just that- make it easier to design my new look by purchasing what I wanted. I love a challenge but I also fell in love with this artists' work! Since I believe in 'paying it forward', I thought I'd share my not-so-secret secret. And I know you'll love me for letting you know you can get 10 free credits when you open your new account. I had already spent mine on my other shop banner but I loved the service and went back for more.

So, anyway, for a just a few dollars, I got instant gratification! Well, maybe not so instant... I still had to fight the urge to throw my computer against a wall when I did the layout work! I'm so NOT a web designer. But I love the result and it turned out to be just what I wanted: Colorful, chic, lovely, and~ totally ME!

(Well, me and TAKEITEASY ART!)

floral house

fairy girl

Of course, you know I loved the floral cat!

Inspiration Sensations!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 17:07:00 +0000

Happy New Year to All! I couldn't wait for a fresh start and new opportunities to create more crafts that say, "ME"! So I've been jumping on articles that offer inspiration...

Two favorites that came across my path were from two of my favorite blogs I follow:

Scoutie Girl and Blacksburg Belle...

Welcome to the Machine by lovercraft

Each had a different tack on Creativity- from SG, ways to battle the demons of creative suppression and from BB some inspiration boosts. I loved them both and have in particular taken one suggestion immediately and I started an 'Inspiration File' for all these wonderful words of wisdom to be gathered for days when I can't get my spark to ignite!

Check out these articles for a kick start to an Inspiring New Year!

12 Fantastic Ways to Bring More Creativity into Your Life by Blacksburg Belle

fearless creativity by Scoutie Girl

We Wish You a Vintage Christmas!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Tue, 14 Dec 2010 22:42:00 +0000

An old-fashioned Christmas is the best celebration of the holidays for me...bubble lights on a real tree, a nativity set in a wooden creche, midnight mass, hot cocoa and an all-night gift wrapping session and, of course, caroling on a wind chilled night (even in Florida!) followed by a hot toddy to warm your bones! These are the memories I love and the traditions I try to I keep! Sometimes we get so involved in the shopping and social obligations, it's over before we've realized and the anti-climatic feeling of should have's and could have's will overwhelm even the most organized!

This year, my family is dealing with the tough economy and fighting hard just to stay afloat. And I have repeated this mantra to my three daughters, now mothers: "Your children will remember happy times and traditions long after the toys have been broken and discarded! Christmas is about family and love." Tough concepts to grasp for younger generations brought up in the age of entitlement and horn of plenty! But this year when my grandchildren unwrap handmade gifts from "Grammy" and not a single factory-made shiny toy, I'm confident their eyes will light up just as bright as my traditional tree! After all, they loved their handmade birthday gifts!

It's time for the 12 Days of Christmas~Where Women Create Style!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 11:59:00 +0000

I love WWC! This team of women are an inspiration to me, so it's a pleasure to pay forward their holiday giveaway, which starts today: The 12 Days of Christmas! Twelve days of terrific prizes and holiday stories of handmade gifts and traditions that will inspire and remind you of your own memories you've tucked away...Don't miss a single day!

Cyber Monday Sale!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:04:00 +0000

20% OFF Today! Stop by Collagical and use coupon code:
1CYBERMONDAYDEAL @ checkout for 20% off everything in
the shop! You'll find all sorts of gift items perfect for your loved ones! You can also visit I'm Sew Pretty! for 20% off on everything there as well!

Treasure Lover, An Etsy Team that Loooooves To Create Treasuries!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 16:01:00 +0000

'Snow White Team Treasure' by Mariapalito

Thank you to all our teammates for participating in this Team Treasure!!! Please invite more people to join us and participate in our Team Treasures!Join Us Etsy Treasure Lover Team

White Snow Necklace - W... petitehermine $78.00	SNOW WHITE, White Hand ... Ebruk $43.00	Wedding Cake toppers - ... zime $32.00
FREE WORLDWIDE SHIPPING... RosinJewelry $75.00	Bridal Bracelet Wedding... 12anglesart $25.00	Container white lime gr... SewDanish $33.00
Gold, Swirl, Post, Stud... contempojewels $20.00	Scotty dog felt brooch ... Lbtoyos $9.90	Beautiful millefiori fl... artefyk $5.50
Crystal Prism Beaded Su... collagical $14.00	Earrings White SeaShell... daimblond $19.00	Winter White Heart Moth... Jewelrybynala $12.00
Ring Ivory White Vintag... AngelPearls $12.00	White Chiffon Flowers H... BizimSupplies $15.00	Helozon Water Pearl Ear... SevimsDesign $25.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

Take the Daze Out of Holidays

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 11:36:00 +0000

It happens every year.

We all feel it, the impending Holiday Season pressure. And we all set high goals and expectations for being ready early this time.

Yeah, right! Keep dreaming.

So how to stop the dread from creeping into your happy holiday place? Aside from boarding up the windows of your favorite shops, beating up the mailman for bringing you catalogs and turning off your internet, it's hard to fend off the assault of "Buy me, I'm the perfect gift!"

So what do we do? First, sit back and RELAX.

Think about the holidays from a different perspective. Not about the presents. But the presence of mind and heart. The pleasures of the holidays: the smell of winter spices, savory and sweet, the people you love and actually want to see at this time of year, the beauty of twinkling lights and the chill in the air.

The obligatory family gatherings and company parties can make some people wish they were Ebeneezer Scrooge before his epiphany. But why? Because we can't say NO. We do it to ourselves by setting ourselves up to fail. Taking on more than we can handle, saying yes, when we know it's going to put us under. The pressure to please everyone on our 'list' is the nemesis of a truly Happy Holiday.

We must force ourselves to make a new list. The first ones on this list should be your immediate family: spouse, children, you, period. Yes, it's hard, but so is the economy. People will understand. They might even be relieved. If you absolutely must include a few others, think intimately, near and dear to your heart. Not, well- I really should get something for so and so... Now think handmade. Think creatively. What do you do well? It doesn't have to be something you make. How about something you're good at? How about bartering with someone who is creative and needs your services? What about the age old idea of thoughtfulness... Forget about the gift cards. Make your own gift card or something you can put your heart into. The possibilities are endless, if you slow down long enough to think about them. How many of us have looked back on the holidays after the rush is over, only to think: Oh, why didn't I get her/him this or that? Or wow, what was I thinking, I should have done...?

If we really dwindle our list down to those who are nearest and dearest, then you should actually know them very well. You just have to think about it while relaxing and imagining it. Not running around the mall, a big box store or sitting in traffic counting off all the things you haven't done yet. Just a little thoughtful time can save hours of aggravation, impulsively spent money and your sanity.

Take charge of your holidays, don't let them overrun you. Know when it's time to say No, take a breather, treat yourself to a hot chocolate (or a toddy!), a bubble bath or a walk with a loved one. Clear your mind of the daze of confusion and make these days fun, happy and memorable.

This Ain't Mayberry, Aunt BEE!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 11:21:00 +0000

'This Ain't Mayberry, Aunt BEE!' by collagical

Think Mad Men not Mayberry! Vintage doesn't mean frumpy, dated or old...Today it means eco-chic, trendy, sexy and Etsy!

White Satin Rose Print ... ValentinesArmo... $23.00	1950's Peach and Bl... loveintheafter... $167.00	50's Vintage Rhines... nicolasvintage $52.00
Vintage 50s Rockabilly ... mysweetiepiepi... $54.99	Vintage 1950s Golden Pr... divelegant $350.00	Vintage Double Strand o... LaCocoBella $2300.00
Vintage 1950's Crea... TheIDconnectio... $450.00	Vintage Pink Lace Slip milkbarboutiqu... $65.00	Rare Vintage DEITSCH Br... 502Vintage $100.00
1950's Golden Seafo... jessjamesjake $286.00	Vintage Jacqueline Desi... AntoinettesWhi... $147.00	50s 60s vintage cream k... digvintageclot... $37.00
Sabrina vintage silk co... VariedTreasure... $50.00	1950s lucite and rhines... brighteststar $125.00	Vintage romantic soft g... modchicvintage $99.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

One 'Fine' DaY at a Sidewalk ArT Fair

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 23:35:00 +0000

'One 'Fine' DaY at a Sidewalk ArT Fair' by collagical

Stroll the city sidewalks and enjoy the Fine Art of Florida Etsy Street Team, then stop and get an outdoor table at your favorite cafe and enjoy a Cafecito!

Burano Shops heyU $25.00	Cafecito and Lime ACEO ... artbymsr $25.00	NYC Statue Of Liberty S... AspiringImages $20.00
Frida Kahlo Poppies Art... darklingwoods $16.00	20070802 colorful unfra... creationsbyjdb $45.00	The Discovery of a Ligh... KathleenMarieK... $350.00
Mr. Newman's Last G... kellywarrenpho... $25.00	Shine - 8x8 Metallic Fi... squidart $25.00	TRIXIE CAT PERSON IN CA... craftyhag $35.00
Breakfast of Champions ... glimpsesandrem... $3.50	The Beauty Between- Fin... malinda612 $30.00	Hello Crow with pink an... RobinMariaPedr... $20.00
When the Kids are Old E... RiverCityArtwo... $25.00	Fall Trees Fine Art Pri... faerytalewings $10.00	Flower fantasy I, mixed... Cesart64 $100.00

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Fall Giveaway from By Our Paws! And the winner is...

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Tue, 19 Oct 2010 17:30:00 +0000

Guess who won the gorgeous 'Pretty in Pink' fused glass necklace from Carol of By Our Paws on Etsy? You guessed it...ME!

I'm especially tickled (pink, that is! lol) because of the tie in with Breast Cancer Awareness Month. She added an entry for those that had a special experience to tell about that made the issue important to them. My great grandmother was a survivor, she was blessed to live late into her nineties!

Carol and I are both members of a new site called Etsypreneur.com- an uplifting and helpful community of Etsy sellers. A fantastic site with great bells and whistles: groups, forums, galleries and lots & lots of link love! That's how I found the link to Carol's blog: This, That and Glass. In addition to gorgeous jewelry, Carol loves photography and it shows in her prints listed in her Etsy shop.

By Our Paws is fairly new, Carol opened shop on August 22 of this year, so I know she would love it if you stopped by and had a look! I love the fall colors and theme of two of her pieces: 'Pumpkin Spice' and 'Orange Zinger', they are both on my wishlist!

Remember to be sure to come and meet some new friends on Etsypreneur! Carol and I will both be there to welcome you!

More Favorites from By Our Paws:

My Treasury on Handmadeology!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 15:05:00 +0000

I was tickled to see my latest treasury, 'My FAVE-orite pair of Jeans!' featured on Handmadeology.
Especially since their site is one of my daily go-to places...great articles and links everyday. Timothy Adams, the editor, is also the head writer of Handmade Spark, another fantastic site!
Some of the best articles and links about SEO and marketing I've found have been on these two sites. I just thought it would be nice for me to show them some link love since they have been such a great help to me!

Link Love:
The Handmade Blogging Blueprint
Need Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Help? Click Here!
Website Submission for the Non-Geek SEO Help Me! Part Two
SEO Help Me! Part Three: Google Analytics~ What in the World is this thing telling me?
New Treasury Tool- Quickly Add Any Treasury to your Blog or Website

Bunnies in an Upcycled Frame!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 13:49:00 +0000

The frames I wrote about the other day in Upcycling Frames are mostly finished. One of them is completely done and is now a home for three little vintage bunnies. After a couple coats of acrylic white paint with a bit of sanding in between, I added some calico red to the inside edge and out over 1/3" of the frame's front. Then I added some crackling medium and more white paint. I love the weathered vintage look of that effect and after gluing some very old, but perfectly kept, silver metallic rickrack just on the edge of the crackled paint, I got the look I was going for. I "built" a little shelf, sanded and painted it white and glued it to the little wall I papered with an adorable printed cardstock. Then I positioned my three little bunnies in an ever so cute arrangement to forever be cherished! I know my imagination works in mysterious ways, but it turned out just the way I saw it there!

♥ My FAVE-orite pair of Jeans ♥

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 22:56:00 +0000

'My FAVE-orite pair of Jeans ' by collagical

Just wanna throw on my comfy blues and cocoon...

Messenger Dark Blue Den... CrazyBoy $43.00	NEW - Fall / Winter CAS... JohnlozDesign $75.00	DENIM BLUE FLEUR DE LIS... ClayDesignsbyg... $12.00
Red, White and Denim Bl... upthecreek $6.00	Ramie eco friendly deni... tangente $105.00	Stone and denim blue me... iamnotawallflo... $20.00
HIM skinny jeans TIE be... matydavis $140.00	FOREVER IN BLUE JEANS--... bittyclippies $60.00	Sale Earrings. Vintage ... blackcatcraft $11.25
Hemp Denim Manitoba Pan... consciouscloth... $110.00	Dark Denim Girl Felt Sk... sunflowerexpre... $26.00	Denim Dreams Scarf - B... sewstacy $20.00
All Natural Indigo Croc... ThreeBlueBee $11.99	Denim lapis lazuli, Fre... Sabtisdesigns $25.00	Charming dress xiaolizi $66.00

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Upcycle Your Man, Give Green!

noreply@blogger.com (Casey) — Mon, 11 Oct 2010 18:35:00 +0000

'UpCyCle Your MAN!' by collagical

Don't trade him in...just upcycle him, Reloved and Repurposed treasures to gift to your sweetie!

upcycled cashmere scarf... voladoradesign $40.00	Urban Messenger - Germa... 11m2 $169.00	hazy sky freestyle bow ... xoelle $36.00
Upcycle Recycle TV Remo... YellowBugBouti... $35.00	Imagine Upcycled Vinyl ... jakrandomart $15.00	Upcycled Felted Wool Mi... formydarling $36.00
4 Groomsmen Necktie Wal... prixprix $108.00	RECYCLE Sterling Silver... JMGJewelDesign $36.50	Dobby Plaid Bucket Hat refab $20.00
Steampunk Propeller Uni... CompassRoseDes... $32.00	Recycled Suits Buttondo... RumahKampung $110.00	Recycled Felted Wool Sl... Michelemabell $40.00
Drink Me... Whiskey Coz... StitchasaurusR... $12.00	Leather Hat OmneeHart $95.00	Perdomo Cigar Box Upcyc... krystajackson $26.00

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