CraftsNThings

First Sale in three Days On Etsy

2012-01-13T21:18:00.001-06:00

I recently switched back to my old Etsy page and made a sale in three days;
now that's an improvement!
Artfire's tone had changed in my opinion and the fees increased, so I decided to leave.
I now sell on Etsy under the shop name ArtsandCraftsLife.

It's too bad that arts and crafts selling sites are having a hard time now. Crafts people need avenues to show their wares.Some are setting up e-commerce sites as well.I don't know whether I'll do that or not but for now I'm enjoying selling and meeting other crafty people!

Moving from Artfire to Etsy

2011-12-31T08:28:00.000-06:00

I have been a seller on Artfire for over a year and promoted that site to everyone I knew. Unfortunately there have been too many changes and now feel it is not seller-friendly.
I had a shop on Etsy since 2007 but wanted to try Artfire out and now will return items to my new Etsy shop in the coming weeks.
The shop name is Arts and Crafts Life., which will feature vintage, art, paintings, destash supplies and jewelry.

I hope to see you there .

Vintage Ora Costume Jewelry

2011-11-29T18:06:00.001-06:00

Ora was a costume jewelry company that started in 1921, that make beautiful pieces that looked real and expensive. Most of the necklaces,earrings and pins were made with rhodium metal and rhinestones.

This one I just listed on artfire is so unique and beautiful and I estimate it to be from the late forties to early fifties.. It has eight rhinestone dangles of various lengths made with clear rhinestones and a light blue one on the end. The main focus are the three blue flowers on the necklace. The necklace part around the neck is covered in clear rhinestones as well. This should be worn for a special occasion.

Black friday to Cyber Monday free shipping in Artfire shop-CraftsnThings

2011-11-24T21:28:00.001-06:00

My CraftsNThings shop on Artfire will have a free shipping weekend for the Black Friday to Cyber Monday sales period.

use Coupon Code: SH6TGOSIVF-VUI8X5DNC3 Black Friday to Cyber Monday -no shipping costs.

Everything in the shop is shipping free and runs from Friday morning to Tuesday morning.

Napier leaf necklace from CraftsNThings Shop on Artfire.

2011-11-02T13:52:00.000-05:00

Simple and elegant Napier vintage costume jewelery
I'm highlighting Napier jewelry on this post, specifically this silver tone sliding leaf necklace.
The costume jewelry makers from the 20's to 60's really made quality products that it's hard to beleive that it was not sterling .
The necklace is from the 50's I think and is still very much in style.
it has the Napier tag on the clasp so you know it's authentic.
vintage costume jewelry is very popular and has a loyal following.
The prices seem to be reflecting that fact as well.

Making Wire Wrapped jewelry

2011-08-26T18:17:00.000-05:00

Making wire wrapped jewelry is a lesson in patience and dedication. When I first learned about this craft, there were very few people offering this jewelry and even fewer teaching the technique.I must have thrown the bracelet across the room many times in frustration,but did hang in there and finish it.
I learned the basics from the master, Preston Reuther; who was a humble man sharing this craft and slowly the art form caught on. he became more professional and set up a website and offered free and paid tutorials.
Now I see wire wrapped bracelet,rings and pendants on every crafts site and private artist site.
I see now on Artfire. so I am offering a few bracelets I made 6 years ago when I first learned about this.

I made the latches and clasp with wire as well. There are a number of very good "wire benders" whose work is perfect.
Here is one bracelet I have for sale on my CraftsnThings shop.

Goosey Collection on Artfire

2011-08-04T09:32:00.000-05:00

Here is my latest collection on Artfire.com. I am a member of a crafts and arts community selling site and members can make collections on any topic so I have collected images of items that pertain to geese. Everyone knows geese to be loud, funny,obnoxious, graceful and full of personality!
The items include pottery,glass,paper cards, paintings,bronze,vintage, plastic,yarn,porcelain and felt wool.There are very talented artisans and collectors of vintage on Artfire so come on by.
I hope you enjoy this collection and invite you to click on any image to read more about it.

Goosey Collection

Curated By: CraftsNThings

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

Summer Weddings using Artisan Jewelry from CraftsnThings

2011-07-02T14:02:00.001-05:00

I created a wedding set consisting of three feet of 14 k rolled gold wire and vintage white Czech glass flower beads for the necklace part and earrings. The link is below. The necklace can be unhooked and used as a tiara if the bride wishes. I know brides have many choices to make so finding just the right jewelry to finish her look is going to be perfect. Check out what I have to offer. Artisans put their heart and many hours of sweat into their work.
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2955071

Artisan Lighted Magnifying Daylight Desk Lamp w/Clamp

Lovely Millefiori Creations Collection on Artfire

2011-04-15T10:59:00.000-05:00

here is my latest collection of favorite Millifiori pieces on Artfire. Crafters and artists can create a shop for free or upgrade for more options. Join an active community of like-minded people and share your creativeness.
Millefiori was first created by Italian glass makers. It involves piecing different colored glass pieces to create a floral design. It also can be made by piecing tiny pieces of colored glass to make what is known as Micro mosaics.
Today polymer clay can be used to create the same effects.
Come look at the wonderful works of many talented crafts people and artist at Artfire.

Lovely Millefiori...

Curated By: CraftsNThings

ArtFire.com

Craft Tutorials

Become a Member of Artfire and get the Third Month Free

2011-02-26T14:36:00.000-06:00

Crafters and artists need good places to sell their wares so check out Artfire and all it's features.

Become an ArtFire Pro with this link and get your 3rd month free!

This is a good chance to see if Artfire is a good match for your crafts. There are many artists, photographers, vintage sellers, and jewelry makers.

Don't pay all those fees to not be seen. No more re=listing constantly to get to the front page.

Pay one monthly fee for everything!

While you're thinking about it,check out my newest collections .

Chunky and Funky

Curated By: CraftsNThings

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

Artfire cookie Jars collection

2011-01-30T10:06:00.000-06:00

Cookie jar collections are very popular and you can find a wonderful selection on Artfire.

Who doesn't like cookies? No one! I remember growing up seeing a cookie jar on the counter in all my friend's kitchens. Everyone of them was a different shape,color,size and theme.
There were animals,trains,firetrucks,people,clowns,buildings and furniture shapes.
They all held a delicious treat that was given out each day in the afternoon.

Who doesnt like cookies?

Curated By: CraftsNThings

ArtFire.com

Vintage Fashion

All the moms would have a cookie jar filled with chocolate chip, oatmeal,Oreo,cream filled vanilla, wafers, ginger snaps or a home made sugar cookie.
Moms don't stay home anymore but you can still keep this tradition alive.
Relive your childhood's fondest memories with a cookie jar collectible.

Lampwork Hearts Collection on Artfire

2011-01-17T12:04:00.000-06:00

Here are some of my favorite lampwork hearts collections from Artfire.
They are all unique and fun!
You can use your own chain,cord, or necklace design with them so get creative and give one to your sweetie!

Lampwork Hearts C...

Curated By: CraftsNThings

ArtFire.com

Handmade Jewelry

Creating lampwork is a specialized craft that uses glass and a torch.You can learn this crafts from books and videos.

Vintage Austrian Kitchen Textiles are Hot!

2011-01-06T14:57:00.000-06:00

Vintage textiles from Austria are very collectible.
I have some older textiles and linens that were probably bought as a tourist souvenior many years ago. I bought this at an estate sale 20 years ago and have kept it in a box until now.
It's time to stop collecting and downsize so this is for sale on my Artfire shop right now.
it's called Tiroler Webkunzt oven mitt,with the original price tag still attached.

Vintage Trumpet Shells Bracelet

2010-12-20T09:53:00.000-06:00

httShell jewelry was always a souvenir item that tourist brought back from their vacations.
My grandmother visited Florida every winter in the 50's and 60's . She would return with conch shell lamps,alligator purses,shell necklaces and bracelets.

Most of these items were tacky and a few were well made.
This trumpet shell bracelet was one of the better made pieces. It is made from the inner swirl of the shell ,attached to a pretty rope design link bracelet.
it is substantial and has lasted many years. There isn't a company name on it but it's not junk and I think anyone would love wearing it.
See it in my CraftsNthings shop.

Custom Woodlands and daisy covered Light switchplate

2010-12-16T14:56:00.001-06:00

I have just listed this handmade polymer clay light switch plate cover that is decorated as a tree trunk with a wild daisy growing out of it.
Its a fun and unique gift to give someone.

* *Not intended for children so don't buy this and place it in a child's room.The polymer Clay is toxic to ingest.**
I varnished it heavily to protect it from UV rays and to help keep it clean.
Contact me for information about making a custom switch plate cover.
Follow the side panel to my other items in the
CraftsNThings shop on Artfire

Fireflies in the Woods Abstract Painting

2010-12-05T11:50:00.000-06:00

This is one of my many creative outlet. It's a painting that I completed a few years ago titled.Fireflies in the Woods. I love seeing the flickering lights in the dark.

Acrylic paints on a 16 x 21" stretched canvas wood frame.
varnish covers the painting to protect from UV rays and dirt.
As with most abstracts, the looks can change form different lighting and angles . I like using Liquitex acrylics when painting.
you can find this one on my Crafts N Things shop at Artfire and a few more.

Vintage ORA Sapphire and clear Rhinestone Necklace

2010-11-29T14:26:00.000-06:00

Here's a wonderful example of the workmanship of the costume jewelry makers in the 40's. It look so expensive but it is light blue and clear rhinestones.
Many clear rhinestone make up the entire necklace .The double floral design is the main focal point is simple stunning.
Look for more details on my
CraftsNThings shop.
They don't make this style and workmanship today.

Vintage Fabulous Amethyst Rhinestone Brooch by ART

2010-11-26T21:54:00.000-06:00

I have this fabulous amethyst rhinestone brooch for sale now in my shop at CraftsNThings on Artfire. There are other colored rhinestone in various sizes and shapes around the main one. 1 small stone is missing but should be a problem finding a replacement.It is made by the ART company around the early 1960's .
The costume jewelry was so detailed and looked so expensive .
Rhinestones look like more expensive gemstones and few can tell them apart. Why spend a fortune and risk losing the brooch when you can invest a small amount for a quality looking piece?
I am starting to appreciate the workmanship of this jewelry. It has proven its' durability and appeal all these years. Start a trend and wear some of the older vintage pieces.
.It definitely makes a statement, don't you think?

Polished Stone and Gold Necklace Set on CraftNThings on Artfire.com

2010-11-20T17:15:00.000-06:00

I recently posted this hand-crafted stone necklace and earring set
on my CraftsNThings shop on Artfire.
I am trying out this for the shopping season to see if there is more traffic.
The polished rectangular shaped polished stones connected by gold wire loops.
The stones are individually connected by wire loops and hangs on

a gold wire around the neck. I designed this for easy wearing.
The earrings are also polished stone and 14 k gold ear wires,
which can be altered
for a clip on if desired.

50 Assorted Frosted Crackle Glass Beads on CraftsNThings

2010-11-17T15:14:00.002-06:00

SOLD! Thank you..please check out the other items..

I opened a new shop called CraftsNThings at Artfire and so far I like it.
Artfire feels different than etsy ,which I've had little sales,despite much promotion.
I have gone pro and will see if it's worth the price.
I am offering a Little bit of crafts supplies and vintage items.
This post today is a bout vintage crackle glass beads. These remind me of marbles.
They were fun to heat up and watch crack just a little when we were kids.
Most of us have seen crackle glass bowls, light globes and drinking glasses. These little beads are pre-drilled to start creating some jewelry items such as necklaces and bracelets or even earrings.
Add some spacers, silver wire and a clasp.
You may also use it in a craft project. how about decoration a lamp shade? Or across the top of a doorway?

There are about 50 of these. Here's the Link.

Thanksgiving Tablecloth of Thanks

2010-11-01T11:59:00.000-05:00

I've written about this project for the past 5 years. it never goes out of style for me.
The tablecloth of Thanksgiving is a simple idea that the whole family can get into.
Its sometimes rare for all the family to gather at the table at the same time
anymore so sitting down to say thanks you is especially important.
Materials needed
1 white or creamy white,beige or pale yellow King size bed sheet. (an old one will do)
2 boxes of 64 count crayola crayons or markers
a large surface such as a table or floor area
newspapers
smock or large old shirt to keep clean
Directions

Ask the children think of what they are thankful for the most for the year 2010.
The adults will also come up with something to write. Be sure to write his down first on paper. Small children will need help expressing and writing their piece.
Lay the sheet out on the table or floor and take turns writing their thankfulness piece
Assign a 2 x 2 foot section to each person. help the smaller ones write .Be sure to lay the newspaper down under the sheet to prevent any colors coming through.
After each person is finished, place the sheet,now the tablecloth, on the table.
each person will sit in their seat ,in front of their saying. Before eating,go around the table reciting what each one is grateful for.

I think this is simple little exercise helps the kids stay busy while the meal is cooking and make the dinner more meaningful, especially for the youngest.

There will have more projects coming.

Halloween Patterns don't have to Be Traditional

2010-09-10T13:48:00.000-05:00

scarysights-det

Halloween pumpkins have traditionally been carved with scary jack-o-lantern faces for many years. I remember trying to carve the scariest face every year. It isn't easy trying to outdo your last pattern or cutout from the previous year.Putting the lit candle inside the pumpkins on Halloween night was the best thing to do. it's haunting face would seem to dance and move in the slightest breeze.
There are some artists that have bucked tradition and started to carve beautiful and unusual patterns on their pumpkins for the past few years. It's interesting to see just how intricate a design one can carve.
I wrote about how people are using more unusual stencils to design their pumpkins and where you can download patterns free.

Easy to Make Halloween Placemats

2010-08-25T17:53:00.001-05:00

It's coming up on the children's favorite holiday; Halloween!
Here is an instruction video showing how to make an easy Halloween place mat from ready- made materials.

I think this is a good start but prefer to have kids make their own pieces.
The easiest and least expensive way to go is to make copies of a dollar store coloring book.
As a matter of fact, all supplies can all be bought at the dollar stores.
My instructions are intended for young children ages, 5- 7years.

List of materials:
1 roll of clear contact paper
1 or 2 Halloween coloring books
1 printer
5 boxes of crayons or
5 packages of markers
Elmer's glue or rubber cement
5 safety scissors
1-2 adult scissors
12" x 12" construction paper in colors of orange,black,white,gray.
large table

Directions:

Allow children to choose color for place mat background.
Place copies of Halloween copied pages on table so children can choose the pictures that want
Color the pictures with crayons or markers
Children will carefully cut out pictures
Next, the pictures will be glued onto the construction paper.
The adults will peel and place contact paper over the mat on front and back to protect.

Children will have this ready for upcoming Halloween party.
Adjust instructions for older children.
Enjoy!

Make Some Fun Jewelry Bracelet with Buttons

2010-07-17T12:37:00.000-05:00

Button jewelry is a good way to use recycled materials.
It's fun to create jewelry with something different than the normal gems and gold wire.
Recycled materials are a popular as a way to save the environment from more trash and to make a little money in the process.
I made this cute and fun bracelet in my etsy shop using plastic buttons and gold elastic bands.
The buttons look expensive with the gold tone paint and white looking pearl material. That's the best part. Making something that looks expensive when it's not.
I also made matching earring that can be purchased separately.

Learn to Paint like a Professional

2010-07-03T15:18:00.000-05:00

Have you been painting for a while and still don't feel like it's good?
Is it too expensive to attend art school or a local college? learning at home can be frustrating. There are some art programs that feature an accomplished artist showing you how he or she paints. They do offer some programs to buy and study but I haven't found one that I like.
The legacy learning Systems have quality, DVD lessons that you can use at your leisure and learn painting.
You will learn all styles,not just the way one artist paints.
Watch the video and order on the right side.