What's New

Well it has been awhile since I have posted anything new in my shops but I do have a few new items I like to share.

Soaps, yes new soaps have arrived. It has been some time since I made any new soaps. The process for me takes some time and I really have to be in the soap making mood to make soap and lately I haven't but I have made some progress in the past month and have been motivated to get into the kitchen and started making some new soaps.

Most recently listed soap.


One of my favorite soaps to use is the Loofah. Some don't like the rough feel of the loofah but I love it. I love how it leaves my skin feeling refreshed and new. This loofah is made with a awesome goats milk soap and a Honey Almond Essential oil fragrance. Absolutely one of my best fragrance. This is filled with the soap and has added almond meal added to it for added exfoliating. This will come wrapped in a plastic bag with tie and label. Great for gift giving and stocking stuffers.

For Men. Yes Men go figure



Winding Curves(Curve type)Glycerin Soap. I originally made this soap for my husband and since I do not have many items listed for men, I thought this would be a great addition to my line of soaps. My husband love the bold scent of the the fragrance and couldn't wait to use it. He actually suggested that I add it to my soap line and I was a little hesitant because most of my customers are women that it wouldn't sell very well but there are women customers who have husband and boyfriends so hey why not.




Cinnamon Brown Sugar Oatmeal Soap.

Doesn't it just look really good. When I started making this soap I was clueless as to how it was going to turn out. I had this wonderful scent called Cinnamon Brown Sugar and it had such a bold scent that I had to make a soap with it. So I began with the grounded oatmeal with a little cinnamon in the mix. Then I added the brown sugar with the oatmeal mixture. When the soap was ready for me to add the ingredients I was still nervous about adding it not know what the outcome will be. I hate experimenting on soap because the oils are so expensive and having a soap batch ruined is wasting money so I don't like to experiment to much with my hot and cold process soap. I have had bad batches just go really bad and I wasted really good oils. So I like to try to keep it simple and not too dramatic I don't like my my soaps to look too much like food. You wouldn't want to use it but just eat it and I want my customers to use my soaps and enjoy them.

So back to the soap, once I added all the ingredients and the fragrance I began pouring the mixtures into the mold. Oh the aroma was so wonderful that it filled my kitchen up. The next morning I unmolded my soap and it was a pale golden color, nothing unusual about it. So I cut it and stored it in my curing closet and in about a week I checked on it and it was really dark in color. I was surprised and happy to see that the brown sugar and cinnamon changed the color to a nice mocha color. So having it look this yummy was not intended but it turned out to be a awesome bar of soap.


Sweet Pomergranate Cold Process Soap.

This scent is one of my favorites during the holiday season. I think this is my second batch of Pomergranate that I have made. This was made using the cold process method and stored and cured for many weeks. Great lather and just a all around awesome bar of soap. It will leave your skin feeling soft and smelling great. It is a nice size bar and will last a long time assuming you don't take a lot of showers LOL. This also will make a great gift or stocking stuffer.

Last but not least


Holiday Gift Set.

I combined all of my most popular items in one gift set. Our famous Shea Butter Lotions, After Bath Body Mist, One of our awesome soaps and for the under arms (we can't forget about the armpits) our famous Vegetable Protein Deodorant bars. This is a great price and great idea for a gift. This can be customize to whatever fragrance we have available and your choice of soaps.

My Trip To Florida

Well my husband and I just recently made a weekend trip to Sunny Florida to see family and to attend my husband's cousin Eddy's wedding. We normally don't take long distance trips such as this often so we were due for a little R & R. We both work really hard and we needed some time away for a bit. And yes this is my very first visit to Florida. We left on Friday November 20 and returned Sunday November 22 so a short trip.

I am not much for flying so being that we recently made some trips to Vegas in 2004 & 2005 made this trip for me a little easier. We flew out of Dulles/Washington Airport on Friday with Jetblue. I really enjoyed my flight and it took away a lot of my fears for flying. The pilots were very friendly and what I loved best if all they had Directv on board so I can kick back and watch what I wanted and not watch a movie that I may have possibly have seen. I have some lovely photos to shave of my trip.




Orlando International Airport touch down at 11:30am. The weather was a balmy 76 degrees and just absolutely lovely day outside. Compared to when we left Dulles VA it was a cool and chilly 50 degrees when we left our home.



We are on our way to our hotel in Lake Mary Fl. So beautiful there and oh my the weather was just absolutely perfect.



Our out of the way quaint hotel. This is The Hilton Garden Hotel in Lake Mary Fl. I loved it. We picked this hotel because we didn't want to stay in any of the busier Hilton hotels near by plus it had everything including free internet and business room if you didn't bring your laptop, breakfast, and all the neat little things that come included in the room like a coffee machine, microwave and iron and ironing board which really did need since so many of the family members were getting dress at our hotel room so it was quite full.



Yes it was warm enough for the pool. Although we didn't bring our bathing suits we did manage to get some sun near the pool for a few hours and dip our toes in. It was very relaxing.




I love Palm tress so I took so many of them. I saw some palm trees when we were in Vegas but I didn't get the chance to snap some photos of them.




Another perfect small Palm tree. I wanted to just take it out and bring it home with me. Do you think they would have notice at the airport that I had a palm tree stuck in my suitcase? most likely I already got pulled over at Dulles for having a large hand sanitizer in my bag. Boy that was embarrassing. The guard had to make sure everyone heard it too. LOL



My husband hasn't seen his cousin Eddy in quite sometime so it was nice to finally meet some more of his family. He has a very large family so it was nice meeting him. This was also our first time meeting his fiancee' Hope. Very lovely and pretty lady and very talented artist I must say. We finally got to speak with her at the reception and she seemed a little shy but happy to meet us. Love that wedding dress she had on. My husband also got a chance to see his brother who also lives in Florida and he came to the wedding with his two kids and pregnant wife Christine. I have met both of them already but haven't met the kids yet so this was my first time seeing my little nephews.

The wedding took place in Sanford Fl not to far from our hotel so it was a quick 15 minute drive down route 4. It was a beautiful evening and this is the gazebo where the wedding took place.



My two cutey pie nephews Dominick (on the left) and Gavin on the right. Boy the energy this two had made me really tired just watching them and trying to keep up with them was a nightmare. I really feel for my sister in law who has to watch them like a hawk and not to mention she is due for another boy in February. As you can see they were not thrilled to be taking a picture. They were told to be still for a minute so I took the opportunity to take their photo.




This is where they had their reception.I wish I had more photos of the reception but my camera ran out of batteries and my cell phone was in the car so wish I had more photos.




Another shot of the gazebo. We are all waiting for the arrival of the bride. Yes she was late but it is to be expected. She has to make a grand entrance. And she was just beautiful! It was so worth the wait.




A shot of the happy couple Eddy and Hope congratulations to the both and I wish you all the happiness in the world :-)

So in closing, I this was my first visit to Florida and I don't fly much but I am beginning to enjoy flying a little better each time I do. I just hate the hassles of flying and all the rituals it takes to get to one point to the other. It took us over an hour and a half to get in the doors to finally getting to our gate. WTH? both ways. I rather take the trains but I am so happy I got the chance to see my husbands family and meet my cute nephews.

~Michelle

New Artfire Feature Artist

This week I would like to introduce a new Artfire Featured artist. Shiny Adornment. I met the owner of Shiny Adornments Kristy from Plurk.com. She is one of my favorite plurk buddies. I love chatting with her during the day very funny and pleasant person. I have taken the time to visit Kristy's Artfire studio and was in love with many of her pieces in her studio and just had to feature her so everyone can see why I think her shop was worth featuring.

Here is Krissy's interview about her business ShinyAdornments.

What is your name and your business?

Kristy, ShinyAdornments

Where in the world are you located? Country/ State?
Wichita, KS USA

Your website/blog/shop

Simply Shiny Blog http://shinyadornments.com/wordpress
Etsy Shop http://www.shinyadornmens.etsy.com
Artfire Studio: http://shinyadornments.artfire.com



Artisan Wood & Silver Hoop Earrings

Handmade Artisan Sterling silver dark wood hoop earrings. Lovely deep dark wood rondelles accented with sterling beads are found on the handmade sterling silver hoops.

Each hammered sterling hoop is wrapped in sterling silver wire. The hoops are medium size at about 1 1/4 inches (3 cm) in diameter. Hoops have been filed and tumbled for comfort.

Briefly describe yourself and what you make. Who or what inspires you?:

ShinyAdornments is artisan gemstone and silver jewelry. I like to create. I find inspiration in the wildflowers I drove past this morning on the way to work or the suit I just bought that needs the perfect accessory or the strange dream I had last night. I have an odd sense of humor, and sometimes I like to incorporate that into my designs too :-)

I make jewelry I would wear myself. I prefer silver and gold filled wire to plated, and I occasionally use copper and brass. The materials depend on my mood and inspiration. I create jewelry pieces with gemstones and silver, but have recently started more metal work. I tend to incorporate high quality gemstone, lampwork, (usually made by a self representing lampwork artist), glass and polymer clay beads into my jewelry. My goal is to create wearable items for work and play.

I belong to SRAJD, Self Representing Artists and Jewelry Designers, Member #1084.

I’m a corporate geek by day and a jewelry designer by night. Somewhat left of center, more than a little goofy and just a bit more than a little bit opinionated. Just ask my friends.




Handmade Purple Amethyst Lampwork Bracelet

Handmade purple amethyst and floral lampwork sterling silver wire wrapped bracelet - Fragrance of forgiveness

"Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. "
Mark Twain

Lovely violet purple natural amethyst nuggets and donuts accompanied by some really pretty lampwork beads from a self representing lampwork artist. The lampwork and amethyst beads are all wrapped up in lots of sterling silver wire. The clasp is accented by purple lepidolite beads.

How did you learn?

I’m mostly self taught, although I had the good fortune to attend a silver smithing class earlier this year. I’ve got a bunch of really great online designer friends that I have bugged with lots of how to questions as well.



Handmade Green Boro Lampwork Wire Wrapped Bracelet - Jennifer

Handmade green lampwork Boro bead sterling silver wire wrapped bracelet

Artisan wire wrapped bracelet made of SRA GORGEOUS blue and green boro lampwork beads from Firelily, aventurine nuggets and rounds and lots and lots of sterling silver wire.

What is your craft ”philosophy”?

Create what you love. I like jewelry that makes a statement. I also love color. I like pieces that have heft and texture best. Or mix light and dark elements. Or both.

Fondest craft-related memory?

My great great grandmother taught me how to use a tatting shuttle. She’s no longer with us, and I keep that little shuttle in my work space to remind me of her.



Handmade Green Pink Unakite Bangle Bracelet - Hayley

Handmade Pink Green Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Unakite Bracelet Bangle

Preppy Jewelry
Several sizes of pink and green unakite beads and chips are wrapped to the sterling base with sterling silver wire. And, so you don't have to worry about trying to slip this over your hand, I've crafted a sterling silver clasp for ease of wear.

Michelle: I have to say this is one of my favorite pieces.

Have you always made things and if so, how long?

It seems like I’ve always enjoyed making stuff. My interests are varied, and I’ve spent time knitting, sewing, home remodeling, making stained glass, and painting.

Do you do your craft full time or partime?

This is a part time endeavor for me.

What are your other interests when you are not crafting?

Generally, I am juggling the demands of an extremely busy corporate day job and my family. My son likes to ‘help’ as much as he can in choosing materials for projects. He’s also got a table set up in my work space so he can color or paint or make play doh creations while I am busy putting pieces together.




Handmade Pearl Ring - Shara

Handmade Pearl Cocktail Ring - handcrafted jewellery of Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Pearls in a Floral design

Shimmery white cultured fresh water and swarovski pearls form a floral style ring.

The large white Swarovski pearl is accompanied by dozens of small round white pearls. Each is hand wrapped with sterling silver wire to the sterling silver wire ring base.


How do you deal with crafty mistakes?

You’ve seen my rejects pile, haven’t you? LOL Now that I’m torching, ‘officially’, there really aren’t any mistakes, as I can always use a bead or stone in another project AND I can melt silver mistakes into other usable things. I make a LOT of ‘other usable things”

Do you have a designated craft space and if so, what does it mean to you?

I do. You can see images of it on my blog here

Those of you with small children will know how much I appreciate having a completely separate area in which to work. Plus it has FABULOUS light. I love it.

Any advice you may want to add to someone who has started or is thinking about start a craft and selling?

1.If you want to sell online, find a like minded group of individuals who will help you and answer your questions.

2.Learn to take better photos.
3.Only make what you love

I want to thank Kristy for taking the time to answer the interview questions. I really do appreciate it. I had such a hard time deciding which photo to use as all of the pieces were just exquisite. It was very difficult. From the looks of these piece, it looks like she has put in a lot of hard work with a lot of creativity to create each and everyone of her pieces. Her studio is an asset to Artfire and Etsy.

I hope you enjoyed reading about Shiny Adornments and take some time to go visit any of her shops and blogs. You will not be disappointed.

All photos that were used with expressed permission by Shiny Adornments

~Michelle

New Etsy Featured Artist of the Week

This weeks new artist of the week is Ibeautiful from Etsy.com. I found Ibeautiful through the Etsy search feature of all the current Etsy shops in my area and I found this lovely shop. Ironically Ibeautiful is in my town (Bristow, VA) and actually right up the street from where I live. So this is a added plus that I found this shop and met one of the shop owners name Mia. First I want to thank Mia for allowing me to interview her for this blog and it was such a pleasure chit chatting with her and getting to know more about her and her sister who are partners.

Lets begin.

Tell us a little about Ibeautiful and how you got started?

EXOTIC FEATHER SMOKEY QUARTZ AND PEARL NECKLACE AND FACETED CRYSTAL QUARTZ

Ibeautiful was born in 2006 by sister team Joye Davis and Mia Elliott. Together we have had previous careers in sales, teaching and fashion. In the last 10 years we have become stay at home moms,with 3kids each. With supportive husbands and family, ibeautiful has become a full-time business.

Joye and I are self-taught designers that continue to learn and evolve through life experiences. Ibeautiful is a reflection of our own personal style and expression.

All day GLAMOUR,ELEGANCE,CHIC,TIMELESS SOPHISTICATED jewelry. Our jewelry is always feminine, flirty and unique!

Who or what inspires you?

We design from a vast array of inspirations. The strength and fearless energy of New York City, exotic lands,music, art and most important, the WOMEN.

It is a blessing that God has touched our hands and imagination to create beautiful wearable art pieces. Each piece is an expression of love and empowerment too women. We design for the working women,busy mom,and socialite who has to balance life's many directions while expressing their own personal style.

Can you reveal a little about your creative process?


GOLD AND GEMSTONE BIB NECKLACE-Swarovski Crystals and faceted citrine

The creative process is an exciting adventure. It can come at anytime. Glancing through a magazine, and gold sequence clutch catches my eye! I'm thinking bold and exotic,a little flirty with an edge to it. Then I see the women wearing this piece, Eva Mendez, Kerry Washington,or Juanita Brown(my mom). Next I gather my materials, mixing different color and texture variations to create a timeless beauty.


When and How did you learn your craft?

BLACK SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS AND FACETED GLASS RIBBON TIE NECKLACE

Ibeautiful is a purpose driven company. We feel very fortunate that we are able to create a product worthy of people's hard earned money. I started making jewelry as a means of fun,expression, and income about 10 years ago. I was actually watching an episode of Opera, on self-made millionaires, that was the being of the madness. Soon after Ibeautiful was created. With the success of our company we are giving to women and children with special needs a percentage of each sale. Also donating to the Special Olympics. Future goals would include funding programs and independent living homes for adults with special needs. My family and I are participants in the special Olympics and special needs community.

Do you do your craft full time or part-time?


Joye and I currently work out of home offices and kitchen tables. Which enables me to continue homeschooling my daughter and allows Joye to be home with the newest addition to our family, Westly Davis.

What impact (if any) has the internet had on your craft?

The Internet can expose you to the world! Making your product visible to millions.It is a constant learning and researching, process but worth while. In addition to the Internet,you must make yourself visible to your community and neighboring areas. Don't overlook local newspapers, shows,magazines,stores,and word of mouth to get your name/product to your target market.


Any advice you may want to add to someone who has started or is thinking about start a craft and selling?

My advice to others looking to make their dream a reality would be -DO IT, DO IT NOW! Don't wait for the right time or when you have more time, because that might not ever show its face. Be fearless, think outside the box, learn from your mistakes,and continue to educate yourself about your art/craft and marketing your business. Pray and never give up!

"To accomplish great things,we must not only act,but also dream,not only plan, but also believe"
Anatole France

Please visit our website at www.ibeautiful.etsy.com and

Cas Boutique in Gainesville VA.
October 24th -Trunk Show at Blush Bridal Boutique in Gainesville VA.

For upcoming events please visit our website.

Photo were provided with permission from Ibeautiful

Artfire Featured Artist

This week I would like to introduce Dawn Correspondence

I met dawncorrespondence through Plurk. Her name is Amanda and I love logging on in during the day to seeing her funny plurks. Every so often I go pass her Artfire studio to take a look at one of her newly designed stationary. Dawncorrespondence is a Virginia native just like myself and wanted to show off some of what Virginia artist are all about.

Here is my interview with Amanda

What is your name.
Amanda owner of Dawn Correspondence, etc.

Where are you located Country/ State?
Richmond, Virginia! USA

Tell us about yourself and what you make.




I am a compulsive paper crafter! I create customized stationery and invitations, and have recently gotten into creating gift boxed stationery, handmade envelopes, and gift tags. In other news...I hate sleeping (I'd much rather be crafting). I enjoy writing. And I love cooking.

Who or what inspires you?

I am most often inspired by nature. I get my best ideas while I am on a long drive and have the opportunity to really look at things. Many of my color palettes, shapes, and forms are developed from something I saw outdoors, or an idea I formed while I was outside.

When and How did you learn your craft?



I began painting and drawing at a very young age. I took my first art class the summer after first grade, and just continued from there. In high school I was passionate about painting, which turned into my inspiration to go to college for interior design, where I then decided to switch majors to graphic design, and minor in interior design.

Why do you 'bother' to make things by hand?

It is a stress reliever for me. When I am creating something with my hands, or working on a new design, I forget about everything else, and I am content. It is also a truly amazing feeling to know my stationery is a part of someone's wedding, birthday, or simply helping make someone's day brighter. Seeing my customers happy and excited is a huge reward in itself.

What is your craft ”philosophy”?

I must say I sat here for a long time trying to come up with a catchy phrase for my philosophy but got nothing good! Anyhow, I believe handmade products are more "genuine", if you will, than mass produced items. Mass produced items contain no thought, no imagination. Handmade artists truly love what they do, and put their all into what they create. I've really made it a point to buy as many handmade items and gifts as I possibly can.

Have you always made things and if so, how long?



Oh, yes! I started making pot holders when I was a child. I have closets full of drawings and paintings I have made over the years. As I got older, I started making scarves. I've taken metal classes where I have made over-the-top jewelry and bookmarks, I've made silk wall hangings, I've made furniture models...what haven't I made?!

Do you do your craft full time or part-time?

Can I do both?? Haha. I have a full-time job, and I craft part-time, but I guarantee I put in at least 30-35 hours a week crafting and marketing my shops. Luckily, I love it, so it's not a burden. My plan is to be crafting full-time within the next year or less, though, so I have that vision in mind during the wee hours of the night (or morning!) when I am fulfilling orders or preparing for an inventory change.

Can you reveal a little about your creative process?

As I mentioned earlier, I get my bright ideas typically when I am outdoors. I keep a notebook and pen handy with me at ALL times just for moments like these, and I keep an ongoing list of my ideas (I am a compulsive list-maker!). The thing I enjoy most about my creative process is that when I return to my office and am ready to get to work - my interpretation almost always turns out different (and hopefully better!) than my original idea or thought. Occasionally, I will do some sketching if I have a swarm of one idea, but most of the time I go straight to the drawing board on the computer. I'll typically finalize something and leave it for a day or so, and then return to it for any new changes or ideas I may have before finalizing and printing.

What motivates you to do you craft?

My customers! I have the best customers I could have ever hoped for. They have helped me to become better at my craft, and are so encouraging through their comments and words. I just love to see my customers happy when they receive something that I have created for them. And also the fact that I have so many ideas swarming around in my head that I don't think it's ever going to be possible to create them all!

How do you deal with crafty mistakes?

Make it a "happy mistake!" Any mistake (in art and crafting) can be turned around into something beautiful or unique.
Do you have a designated craft space? What does it mean to you? I have multiple! I have an office where I do all my designing on the computer. After the designing and printing is done, I move to the living area where I have a corner of paper, supplies, glue, etc. where I can assemble, package, and prepare my products for shipping. My lightbox has also taken over the kitchen...basically the house looks like a craft store.


Why is crafting good for you?



It relieves my stress. Once I am in the "crafting zone" I am free from all other thoughts and concentrating solely on creating some beautiful and unique.
What kind of support have you received from family and friends regarding your craft? I have received nothing but amazing support from my friends and family. In fact, I would not be where I am today without them. They encouraged me for years before I decided to start selling my handmade products. They are also willing to give me constructive criticism when necessary, which is also great to have! It's nice to know they don't ALWAYS tell me my products are great just because they are family.

What impact (if any) has the internet had on your craft?

I don't think the internet has had an impact on my craft, per se, but it has certainly had an impact on my ability to sell my craft. Right now, probably 90% of my craft sales comes from online sales. The internet has been a powerful tool in marketing my items as well. I have also made some great crafty friends through the internet who have been a wonderful source of ideas and encouragement - I count on them on a daily basis. I wouldn't be in business at all if not for the internet!

Any advice you may want to add to someone who has started or is thinking about start a craft and selling?



Make sure you are passionate about what you'd like to create because it is hard work! I never imagined it would be this much work, but I love every minute of it! Not only will you need to be a crafter, but you will also need to be an advertiser, a marketer, an accountant, and an assistant! Be prepared to do the tasks you don't necessarily want to do to keep sales managed and coming in.

I want to thank Amanda for allowing me to feature her and her beautiful and colorful stationary. Please take the time to visit her online shops at

Etsy shop www.dawncorrespondence.etsy.com
Artfire Studio www.dawncorrespondence.artfire.com.
Blog www.dawncorrespondence.blogspot.com

Photos provided with permission by dawncorrespondence

Thank You you for stopping by.
~Michelle

This Weeks Sale

Soy Wax Melts

These are our latest item on sale this week. Buy 1 get the second 1 for 1/2 off. I love burning these during the cool Fall months. I have a variety of scents appropriate to the Fall. Our latest that has been added is Pumpkin Vanilla. One of my all time favorite Fall scents. I have so many fragrance that I couldn't possibly add them all so if you don't see you favorite, please drop me a line and I will check to see if I have your favorite scent. I was burning the Cinnamon Crunch last night and my house filled with cinnamon that I can just taste it.

Here are some of my favorites:
Pumpkin Vanilla
Cinnamon Crunch
Toasted Hazelnut
Vanilla Walnut
Buttercream
Cinnamon Toasted Almond
Roasted Almonds
Maple Cinnamon Twist

Sample of a Tea Light Burners

Sample of a Electric Tart Burner


Stop on by and take advantage of this great offer all week long. Soy melts are easy to use. All you need is a tart warmer (Electric or you can use the tea light burners) break off 1 or 2 melts and add it to the top of the warmer and allow the tart to melt. It leaves your entire house smelling really good. Great when you want to sit down and relax for the night. Stop by our Artfire shop to get your Scented Soy Wax Melts today. To receive your discount off on the second tart, it is best to request a final total and a Invoice will be sent to you with from Paypal or we will just refund you back the discount off the second item.

Have a great week.
~Michelle