Crooked Fence Gifts

Picture Frame Jewelry Organizers Summer/2014

2014-06-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

Vintage or recycled Picture frame decor is so in. You really can do so many things with them. These Summer inspired Picture Frame Jewelry Organizers are both beautiful to look at and completely functional.
Each Organizer is unique. A new, vintage or everyday picture frame can be made to look however you want it to.

I lean toward a beachy / vintage / sometimes gothicky kind of style. Crooked Fence Gifts makes all of our goods by hand. We strive to use local and USA products. Re purposing cool finds is the ultimate. One of the frames featured in this blog survived a fire and was given to me.

These two particular frames were:
Taken apart and sanded
Painted and antiqued
Embellished and decorated
Have two rows of beaded fringe
Have hooks and a hanger

Visit us on Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/crookedfencegifts?ref=hdr_shop_menu

New Tissue Pom Packages for Weddings, Graduation & Summer Get Togethers

2014-05-15T09:58:00.002-07:00

Brand new tissue pom packages for Weddings, Graduation parties and summer get togethers. New color combinations will add the wow factor to your event. Pre designed packages will do the work for you. We always offer custom colors and sizes for your convenience.

Black Gray and White are very popular for Graduations, Weddings, Anniversaries and male themed events.

Some of our summer themed packages include Lime, Cerise, Orange, Plum and Yellow. These are vibrant and will add a pop of color and fun to any event.

Patriotic Red White and Blue for 4th of July Parties !

Softer color combinations for Baby Showers, Birthdays and Girl Themed parties :)
Have fun with your tissue poms ! They don't have to be hung, you can lay them flat on a table or pin them flat to a wall or ceiling for a different look that is fun and interesting.
Have a great a summer with your friends and family.

Ring in the New Year 2014

2013-12-23T13:51:00.000-08:00

Ring in the New Year. 2013 has been a whirlwind of Ups and Downs most of us wont soon forget. So lets look to 2014 with a optimistic eye. Celebrate with family and friends. Make new plans and goals. When you do make sure you don't forget a few personal goals.
While you are making your plans you might be thinking of a party. I have the perfect thing to make your table bling :)

Handmade Arte Metal Black and Pink Bottle Bling has black chain, hand embellished pendant. It slips right over the bottle neck.

This one is different with the large Fluted Lily in Blue and beautiful glass pearls and antiqued brass leaves.

This one is vintage style with long wire wrapped beads and a beautiful antiqued brass filigree center. This bottle bling has a hook closure.

This one is vintage style also but not as long with beautiful icy mink colored pearls and slips right over bottle neck.
Any of these would make a lovely house warming or wedding gift. Find them inn our etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/crookedfencegifts
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from Crooked Fence Gifts !

2013-12-10T18:49:00.001-08:00

Just finishing up (as if ever...) Christmas designs for this year. If you are a designer then you already know this, but if you like to design, there is no way you could ever design all of the ideas that you have. But you sure give it a try...
Crooked Fence Gifts has really begun to define just who we are. We strive to simplify our lines of products and keep up with current and new trends.
As we head towards 2014 we are keeping an eye on local and USA products to improve our product lines.
Happy Holidays and enjoy these handmade and up-cycled stocking stuffers.
www.etsy.com/shop/crookedfencegifts

These and more items will be on our Etsy shop soon ! Happy Holidays !

2013-11-22T19:34:00.001-08:00

Winter is already kind of settling in around here. There is ice on the ground and frost in the air. A Red Hot headed woodpecker has been frequenting the apple tree in the back yard.
One thing for sure is the Holidays are coming. This lead me to a Winter Collection of 'Vintage Bride' Jewelry. I wont lie I was also inspired by Billy Idol's "White Wedding". I remember when the album came out. It was on white vinyl.
Anywho... vintage bride style winter white jewelry was on my mind. The collection is not complete, but here is what I have so far :

Vintage Bride Crystal drop earrings

Vintage Bride Matte White Bell Flower Earrings

Vintage Bride White Drop Earrings

Earrings in this collection were definitely designed with a vintage feel. Other styles are available in our Etsy shop or on our website.

Halloween Time at Crooked Fence Gifts

2013-09-23T20:32:00.000-07:00

Halloween is a special time at Crooked Fence Gifts. As Fall approaches I always find myself creating like crazy. The weather sets in and I get in the mood for being cozy. What better time to create ?
In the Pacific Northwest when Summer is over, it is truly over. We may get one or two more nice days. We may not. One thing I do know is that I haven't worn a short sleeved shirt in a week.
I wanted to post some items that I do every year for Halloween and maybe a few new ones.
Have a fabulous fall and don't forget to shop local !

Spider Web Earrings

Jackopic Halloween Pick by CFG

Handmade Tissue Paper Wreath For Halloween

P.S. As always we are always happy to do custom orders for weddings, parties and showers. We specialize in Tissue Poms, Paper Garland, Paper Flowers: Magnets, Pins, Clips, and last but not least Vintage inspired handmade Jewelry.
Crooked Fence Gifts

Handmade Paper Garland Designs by Crooked Fence Gifts

2013-09-20T21:34:00.002-07:00

Handmade Paper Garland by Crooked Fence Gifts new for the Holidays. Garland isn't just for Christmas anymore. Nowadays we use garland for all holidays including weddings and even for our everyday decor.

Have fun with your parties and events. Even more make your personal space feel the way you want it to.Here are a few examples of new garlands that will be posted this weekend on Etsy.com and Clickincowgirls.com.

Holiday garland for Christmas, Halloween or any Holdiay. These come in 10 foot sections and can be customized for your event or party.Our garland is made of card stock that is thick and will keep it's shape. Some are solid, some are double sided. The garland pieces are cut by hand and prepared for stringing on coordinating colors of hemp cord.

Vintage Frame Jewelry Displays by Crooked Fence Gifts

2013-09-19T10:04:00.004-07:00

Ever since I was a little girl I marveled at anything sparkly, shiny and ornate. So it is only fitting that I would become an artisan who enjoys making many different all types of jewelry and home decor.There is so much beauty in a woman that is well put together in her own style ( no matter what that is) and feels good being herself !Lately my focus has been on display of jewelry and personal items.I don't know about the rest of you, but I really like seeing my favorite jewelry items displayed in cute and playful ways.

Having always loved vintage frames, jewelry frame displays was a natural progression for me.
Here are a few that will be online today:

These are available in custom colors, finishes and sizes. Hooks, loops and other attachments can be added to hold any type of jewelry or accessory.

Have fun displaying your daily and favorite jewelry !

2013-09-07T23:09:00.000-07:00

Handmade Vintage Burlap Memo Clip

I love using old clothes pins. They have many uses, such as to hold a bag closed, to post a note, to keep papers together, to display a favorite picture. Sometimes I like to paint and decoupage them.

Handmade Wine Charm Set of 4

Handmade house warming and wedding gifts hold their own charm. They say not only do I care, I noticed what you like ;)

Handmade Distressed Paper Flower Pin

Distressed paper flowers have unlimited use. You can go everyday or special occasion depending on what you embellish them with. Paper flower pins make a great hostess gift.

Distressed Paper Flower Lot to Embellish Set of 10

Crooked Fence offers paper flowers in several different stages. You can find different colors and styles in patterns. Some are embellished, or partially embellished or not embellished at all. As with all Crooked Fence Gifts items, they are available anyway you like them.

Handmade Orange Tissue Paper Pom Pom

Tissue Pom Poms have been a decorating must have. Not only can you make a major statement with them; they are affordable as well. A splash or color or a fairy tale come to life tissue paper pom poms are an awesome way to decorate your next event or to change your decor.

58 Vintage Faire: Little Miss Transition We're having a big sale at...

2013-03-14T20:34:00.001-07:00

58 Vintage Faire: Little Miss Transition We're having a big sale at...: Little Miss Transition We're having a big sale at Porter Antiques this weekend and passing out these little notices to ev...

Local & Handmade

2012-12-27T19:27:00.002-08:00

As we approach 2013 my mind is on new ventures and new ways to run my business.
During the Holiday Season I ran into several problems locating USA products. Some stores carry some USA, most carry very little if any. As some of you know by some of my past posts, I am a Local and Handmade Supporter. We live in a free country, and I would like to buy only things created and made by my fellow country men/women.
My husband wanted to buy me a specific item and went to two towns basically looking for it. He even went to a few antique stores thinking maybe he could find a vintage one. Even the antique store had ones that were imported.
I hope that 2013 shows us how to support our country and businesses and neighbors and friends in many ways.
I will be adding a "Local Supply" list to my blog and Facebook and Website once it is finished, that way at least if people want to shop local, they can.

I just closed my retail location the end of November. It just wasn't workable. I like to spend the majority of my time creating new items or salvaging an old one. Productivity is high on my list...
So, I closed the store and am still doing my website, etsy, facebook, ebay and I am consigning to some local/handmade locations. The next step will be wholesale. This is a good step for me.
This also leaves time for my family and my nineteen other hobbies... something like that.

Hopefully the Holidays inspired you like they inspired me to MAKE EVERYTHING ! Part of my plans for 2013 will be to take my designs to the next level by making them more unique and edgy while still focusing on the Vintage feel.
Happy New Year and don't forget to Shop Local :)

Crooked Fence Gifts: Beautiful Organza Flowers

2012-09-07T14:07:00.001-07:00

Crooked Fence Gifts: Beautiful Organza Flowers: One of the newest crazes is Fabric Flowers ! Flowers for your hair, pinned to your jacket, clipped to your purse, hanging from a chain on a ...

Beautiful Organza Flowers

2012-09-06T14:58:00.004-07:00

One of the newest crazes is Fabric Flowers ! Flowers for your hair, pinned to your jacket, clipped to your purse, hanging from a chain on a necklace. There is really no limit to where you can go with fabric flowers.

My latest have been organza fabric which is fun to work with. It is heat shaped and put together very carefully.
I am a stickler for the 'vintage' style centers. Mine are new , but they have the old flair. If I find an exceptional Vintage button or some other embellishment, I like to use those too.

These are a popular item in my shop and are available in all kinds of configurations. Custom and specialty orders are always welcome.

Crooked Fence Gifts specializes in handmade gifts, home decor and jewelry.
Visit our Etsy shop to see more: http://www.etsy.com/shop/crookedfencegifts

Crooked Fence Gifts: Grass Roots Advertising

2012-07-28T20:43:00.001-07:00

Crooked Fence Gifts: Grass Roots Advertising: Tips to help Build your business by Vicky Watkins This weeks topic is: Grass Roots Advertising: Fliers Most of us have access to a computer ...

Grass Roots Advertising

2012-07-28T20:42:00.002-07:00

Tips to help Build your business by Vicky Watkins
This weeks topic is: Grass Roots Advertising: Fliers
Most of us have access to a computer or a way to get to your local copy center.
One of the easiest and most cost efficient ways for you to get the word out about your business if you are on a budget is to distribute fliers ( you can also use business cards).
I would start with a quarter page size flier which means you would get 4 to a 8.5 X 11 size sheet of paper. You will want to consider size as most companies have a limited space dedicated for community posts.
If you do not know the first thing about designing a flier, look for information online or look at other fliers (look at ads in your local news paper) to get an idea where to start. You may want to tie in seasonal decoration or an event you know is coming up, or a particular color paper to make yourself stand out.
You can add a special offer or coupon or even a free item to entice customers to come and find you. Don't forget to ad your contact information.
Weather you are an online only business or a brick and mortar or both chances are that not everyone in your area knows that you have goods or services for sale.
Before beginning to distribute them you will need to check with your local city and find out what their ordinance is on fliers. Can you paper the town with them ? Can you leave them on vehicles ? Or do you have to have permission to do anything at all with them ? Most cities have ordinances listed on their website.
You don't want to start out by getting on someone's bad side.

Below are several places to start taking your flier to. Most businesses are more than willing to help new businesses or have an area dedicated for community information. Note: Some do not, that is o.k. and do not take it personally, just go to the next place.
1) Grocery Store Bulletin Boards
2) Local Library
3) Restaurants
4) Coffee Shops
5) Spas
6) Hair Salons
7) Community Centers
8) Senior Centers
9) Post Office
10) Schools
11) Hospitals
12) Hotels
13) Senior Centers
14) Banks
15) Local Chamber or visitor center
16) Your local newspaper may have a low cost way to place your flier in their paper.

If you are a new business in your town with a retail location I would walk your whole area (or drive if it is spread out) and go meet people at all the local businesses in your area and tell them you are new and ask if you can leave fliers on their counters or bulletin board. If you are in their area I would offer to take some of their fliers or brochures to put out in your shop.
If you can afford to take a sample of something you sell, that is a nice touch.
Candy baskets are nice too. You can purchase bulk candy or mints and take a small amount to each place as a thank you. Just put it in a small basket or some sort of decorative bag from your local craft store and tie one of your business cards to it.
You can also put a flier with a future offer in your customers bags when they make a purchase to encourage them to come back and see you again !

Even if you have a big advertising budget this form of advertising is useful. By the time you are done you will know what everyone else is selling and who the business is run by. This is good information to be able to pass along to customers.
Good luck running your business big or small !

Organizing Your Creative Space

2012-07-11T12:15:00.001-07:00

Along with "Creating" comes.... A big mess. Well, it's the truth. I laugh my head off when I see pictures of peoples craft areas that look like they are a store display. Any crafter who is busy and produces large amounts of inventory knows that it is almost impossible to keep your work space clean.
However you can keep it organized up to a point no matter what you are doing.
I wanted to share some organizing tips that I use and that work for me. I am not a "Craft Expert" by any means but I am a hands on full time crafter and have been for many years.

Some people are able to make only one thing. Then chances are that they may be quite a bit more organized than someone like myself...
Maybe, maybe not. Anyway's without delving too much into the why's and why not's....

Fabric storage can be a challenge. Especially when you use hundreds of different types. I like the craft carts that have wheels and at least three drawers if not six or eight for this. They are awesome. And I would suggest the "see through" type and not the colored drawer type, so you don't have to memorize or list what is in each compartment. I don't know about you, but I am definitely an "eye person". That means I can learn almost anything just by watching someone do it. And I take in everything visually first. So, see through storage is perfect for me, I use see through with almost everything. I can save my brain power for important things like: My next awesome design... instead of trying to figure out where I put my seam rippers or the blue buttons or anything else.
So, for fabric I use the see through craft carts ( Most of mine came from Lowes or Costco) that are pictured below, and from there I break it down into category: 1) One drawer for buttons/fasteners, 2) One drawer for ric rac & bias tape, 3) One drawer for Lace, and then I break the fabric down into two categories: either Color or Type. For example I use a lot of Cotton and many colors, so these I do by color, but Faux Fur, Burlap, Organza or Chenille I separate by type because I don't have as many "kinds".

Now let's talk about Bead Storage. I use the same principals for bead storage that I do for fabric. I separate them by Type or Color. I use a different type of organizer for findings:

This is good for the findings I use in bulk, and again they have see through drawers, ( I believe these came from Home Depot) some people even attach an item to the front of each drawer to show what is in the drawer. I don't like to waste ANYTHING !

Now for beads I use the smaller organizers (Most of mine have come from Michael's Crafts, they travel well and they also fit into the fabric grocery bags (which I use all the time to travel my supplies). These are also see through, and I break them down into Type: Maybe some beads are only for Jewelry, Maybe some are only for Home Decor etc..., Then I break them down into color, I also separate charms, and finding I use a lot in this type of organizer.
I have a small one I keep all of the ear wires I use in, and two more I keep the findings I use the most in, and then they are ready for travel. These are also easy to stack, which saves space.

Now let's talk about Embellishments ! I love embellishments, always have. The organizer I use is made by a company called Azar @ www.azardisplays.com . They are awesome ! You can build your organizer anyway you want to. They have all kinds of different size attachments and different colors. Again I use the clear for ease in finding items. Storage for: Tools, Tape, Glue, Glitter, Decorative Scissors, Wire, Foam Tapes, Stamp Pads, Alcohol Ink and whatever else can fit over there.

Now for Paper, Card Stock, Felt Sheets and other items like stencils I use Open storage (From Michael's) as you will see below:

For items waiting to be crafted I like to use plastic shelving (I have had these a long time, not sure where they came from) or bins. That way I can store things again according to type or what it is made out of. For example: Paper Mache or Wood.

When you have your awesome "Studio" or Craft Space all set up you are going to need one more thing. A really cool area where you can get your thoughts together and come up with all kinds of ideas and maybe put your feet up for minute.

I call this my "awesome thinking area". I have some of my favorite things here, I play guitar so I have an amplifier here and my Guardian.... Batman. I also have a stereo for music and all kinds of extra lighting for detail work. I painted this space a color called "Heart's Desire" because that is exactly what this space is to me. I also like pink.

My area is messy, and no I don't take a lot of time to clean it. I usually clean it when I can't find something.... Which happens every now and then because so many items "cross over" into other areas.
It works for me.
I will leave you with a few more pointers:

1) I organize paint brushes, foam brushes, pencils, hand tools, and other like items in cups and buckets so they are easy to grab and move to another area and are kept together for the most part.
2) I store my tacky glue with the lid on up side down in a cup (only used for crafting) so it is always ready to use.
3) I keep old towels to use under items that get spritzed with water or to keep over items when I am using my saws to keep the sawdust out.
4) I use a wire paint caddy for paints, they seem to last longer. than being stored standing up.
5) I use a LOT of "coated" paper plates. I use them for painting, over and over until they are totally used up then I replace them. I also use paper plates to catch glitter when I "glitter" something. I keep a stack that I always use for this, one for each color, they never go bad, and then your colors wont get mixed together and you can easily fold your paper plate to pour your unused glitter back into its bottle.
6) I use a sharpie to mark my tools when making parts that I want to make the same size, like wire for instance or jump rings, wire loops for jewelry. (Let your sharpie mark dry first)

Have fun making whatever it is you make !

The almost Anything Charm

2012-07-05T14:22:00.001-07:00

One of my latest inspirations have been Lucite Flowers. I love them. I like flowers anyway, but these are so versatile and they are made really well.
Jewelry is one of my favorite items to make along with Home Decor. I have made necklaces, earrings, bracelets with the Lucite Flowers, but I really wanted to make something different with them. Something that was more than a jewelry item...
A purse charm ! That is what I came up with, but not just a purse charm. This is versatile enough to be almost Anything ! That is where I came up with the almost Anything Charm.
I made them long enough to be a bracelet or a purse charm or rear view mirror decoration or anything you like. You could use them as a tieback for a curtain. I have a customer who bought one and is going to use it for a decoration for her front door.
They have a lobster claw clasp, so no chance of coming undone. Each one is a little different.

Until next time... say what you mean, and do what you say...

Fairy Green

2012-06-30T18:17:00.000-07:00

Looking out the window
The Grass and Trees are greener than usual
A vibrant Fairy Green
that is visually inspiring
I drink it in
with my eyes

The flutter in my core
reminds me that it
is really there...
My heart races as I continue to stare

Hand Made Cloth Flower

I am like a warmed up race car
lurching against the brake
I cant wait to make something
beautiful

Twilight Saturday June 30, 2012

2012-06-27T11:49:00.000-07:00

Summer is the perfect time for celebrations. One of the newest items in my store is Memo/Menu/Place Card Holders ! I love all the creative ideas I see online for wedding parties and baby showers.
Place Card/Memo holders are one of the easiest ways to add a little organization to your table. If you put a card with a guests name on it in a certain area, they will more than likely sit there. Well you can use these awesome holders for all kinds of things. For weddings you can use them to number your tables, to make a sign for each area, menu, etc. For dinner parties you can have fun with decorative tags which of course can be made to be a favor to take home. The sky is the limit !

The design you see here will be available on my etsy later today. I will be adding different sizes and different kinds of Place Card/Menu holders later in the week. This is just the beginning of this line. There will also be a selection of cards, some simple, some very decorative. And also a mixed card collection for the hostess with the mostest ! Have a great day and don't forget to shop local ! Part of every penny you spend in your town goes back to your town !

Crooked Fence Gifts: Weddings, Graduation & Summer Fun

2012-06-05T13:51:00.001-07:00

Crooked Fence Gifts: Weddings, Graduation & Summer Fun: Summer is the perfect time for Weddings, Graduation and Summer parties. New trends in decorating are all about paper. Tissue poms and paper ...

Weddings, Graduation & Summer Fun

2012-06-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

Summer is the perfect time for Weddings, Graduation and Summer parties. New trends in decorating are all about paper. Tissue poms and paper poms and up-cycled decor.
Crooked Fence Gifts now has Tissue Poms available in the store. Lots of pretty papers to chose from. If you are a Do It Your-selfer like me, you can go to YouTube.com or Marthastewart.com and get tips and hints on how to do this yourself.
Tissue poms are so resilient, you wouldn't think they would be because tissue is so frail. But, they are. Perfect for a splash of color in any room or setting. And talk about drama ! Instant drama anywhere. Use filament string for a floating look where the wire or string doesn't show or get fancy and use pretty bows and ribbons !

The main thing is to have fun decorating right ? As you can see from the photos above, they are very versatile and can be used in many different ways. I like the double flower hanging ones the best. People always comment on those in my store. If you use them for a room decor item they are easy to dust, just shake them or use a swiffer. Happy Decorating !

Crooked Fence Gifts: Do Something Special For YOUR Valentine

2012-01-28T16:20:00.000-08:00

Crooked Fence Gifts: Do Something Special For YOUR Valentine: Something Special for Your Valentine ! The one's we love put up with all of our quirky habits and funny ways. It is important to remember t...

Do Something Special For YOUR Valentine

2012-01-28T16:08:00.000-08:00

Something Special for Your Valentine !

The one's we love put up with all of our quirky habits and funny ways. It is important to remember to appreciate our loved ones year round. A small token or handmade gift is a great idea. I can't speak for all ladies but I think most of us would appreciate just about anything.

Then there are those of us who are harder to figure out... maybe a gift certificate or dinner ?

Well I like a personal touch and something from the heart. I made these cute little silver wire and Swarovski Siam Crystal Heart rings. I wanted to make something that was affordable for anyone and also very cute. These definitely say "I love you". Find them in my store in Enumclaw or on the website: www.crookedfencegifts.com.

Do something special for the one you love even if it seems silly. Sometimes the funny personal gifts are the ones we remember most.

One year for Mother's Day my husband got me a rug (just for me) for my side of the bed so that when I got out of bed my feet wouldn't be cold ! How thoughtful is that ? He is awesome but he's taken, go find your own !

Happy Valentine's Day ! Love and be loved !

Crooked Fence Gifts: Fun with Organza Flower Clips

2011-08-09T15:27:00.000-07:00

Crooked Fence Gifts: Fun with Organza Flower Clips: "Summer is always a great time to play with accessories. Flower Hair Clips have become very popular. You can make them out of anything. Reall..."

Fun with Organza Flower Clips

2011-08-09T15:26:00.000-07:00

Summer is always a great time to play with accessories. Flower Hair Clips have become very popular. You can make them out of anything. Really any sort of cloth or paper. My favorite are Organza. Organza is such a beautiful fabric, so feminine and fun. I took to You tube to watch videos on flowers. And there are a lot. Then went to my local fabric store and bought loads of Organza. A lot of people are using fake flowers from any store to make these. I wanted to make my own. I wanted to make the flower clips that look like a real petal, which takes FIRE ! You have to heat the petals to get them to look that way. I tried to use a soldering gun, that didn't work. The fabric would catch fire or melt too much. What I found worked best for me was using a candle. It is still a little tricky, but at least you can control the burn pattern somewhat. I used 8-9 layers of petals which I heated individually. I understand some people use a heat gun, I haven't tried this yet, but will try that next.

One thing to keep in mind: Organza isn't cheap. Watch adds for Jo Ann Fabrics for sales or your local fabric store. I found it to average right around 10.00 a yard when not on sale. I tried hot gluing them first. This worked OK. I wasn't totally happy with the outcome, so I tried sewing them. I liked this much better. On the centers, I used a brass filigree piece on most of them and wired beads to the filigree first before attaching it to the flower. After that I used a piece of felt and glued on the alligator clip. I found large quantities of clips at my local beauty supply. And a smooth version I found to hold just as well as the sawed edge type. I used felt to cover the underside of the clip and to give it a nice finished look. These were a lot of fun, but take a little bit of planning. Another difficult part was cutting the organza, not an easy thing to do as it moves and is "slippery" as fabrics go. So, with a little practice they can be cut fairly easy. The layers do not need to be precise which is helpful. You will have to play with this and figure out how it works for you.