The Frugal Artisan

What was your plan? I sprinkled the summer with a few organized activities, a few spontaneous dates, and a few hang around 'do nothing' times for 2 kids home on school vacation. I didn't want to (couldn't) spend a fortune on camps, and looked forward to ignoring the alarm clock/get dressed/breakfast/car pool/homework schedule.

Yesterday was a killer. I argued with my son in the morning, went to the public pool which no-one was into, and ended the day with a teary daughter. A classic day of getting on each other's nerves.

When I am stressed seems I hit the jewelry bench even harder, driving myself to make it better and prettier. Must be to win back some positive feelings, even coming from customers.

It's going much better today and I promise myself to do better tomorrow.

The resulting jewelry?
CRISS CROSS RING

22K GF, freshwater pearl trio

STORMY SKIES SET

Freshwater pearl, glass and stone mix.

IOLITE TASSLE EARRINGS

mini chip peridot, onion cut iolite

The dejunquing of DS11's room went superbly. Asked to take things off shelves that he doesn't want (ie old models, books), he almost CLEANED off shelves.

Moved furniture around slightly, rearranged a few posters on the wall, and freecycled the computer in his room.

A needy sounding family picked it up within hours. No printer. Windows 98 set up, Compaq model. They're happy.

A big sailing ship kite and 5 well kept games went to the Boys & Girls Club.

I feel good for donating and the space looks like new.

Remodel on a rupee. Two new light fixtures, a small bedside shelf and a (thrift store) basket for stuffed animals he still wants came to $100.

I should've took before and after pics, DANG! Submit to a magazine.

Today is the last room to clean and dejunque, DD9. No expenses, just thinnng out of toys. 5th room of the house to do in as many days. I'm pooped.

Thanks for taking a look at something I've always wanted to do, wire wrap stones.

Coin Earrings




Free form bound stone coin earrings include a bali style dangle flower. Artistic, yet casual enough for everyday.

Not yet for sale. Contact me for more detail.

NEVER TOO LATE for SPRING CLEANING - Chapter 4
'How to Remodel w/o the Re'

Today is the day my DS11 is looking forward to?! We are cleaning out his room. Ok, he's just been saving up him empty gum wrappers to throw away all at once. Bleh.

Anyway, the air hockey table is coming out (assuming I can get the legs off, it doesn't fit through the door). I'd like to sell it on Craig's, and KNOW it would bring at least $50. But husband wants to take it to our weekend house.

Also cleaning off the shelves, hopefully of the clay dragon he made at his 7th bday party, the old car models that he used for demolition derbies. Maybe the books from 2nd grade...

Next the too small clothes out of the closet. Such as the dress shirt from that wedding a couple years ago. A cubscout shirt he'll never wear again.

Then the desk - Oh the desk. Just suffice it to say the thrift store is going to be happy. YUCK!!! Every drawer is filled with junque.

There is a magnetic dart game on the closet door that is going to the Boys/Girls Club. A set of Mega blocks (yes those big ones for 4 year olds) that also goes to B/G club.

A rainbow sailing ship kite on the ceiling that I hope he'll part with. We've flown it at least twice to the end of it's rope. Time to give it away.

And a light pole fixture that never gave enough light is OUT. The only $$ to be spent is on a new one that gives proper light for homework before he needs glasses. Probably a wall mount type, but maybe a better different floor model. No ceiling type (the room is not wired). Unfortunately, light fixtures are not cheap, but I am not compromising on this.

I'm also cleaning out, using up older gem and beads in my stash to make room for new supplies later in the year. A Russian friend gave me some amber awhile ago and here's what I made of the remainder.

Imperial Amber Photo Necklace





Honey hued amber nuggets and abalone shell discs attract interest in this highly styled 18" necklace. Interchangeable photo frame adds even more character.

Not yet for sale, contact me for more detail.

First day of 'vacation', meaning I don't go to 'work'. Staying home on the couch eating bonbons, right? How about:

NEVER TOO LATE for SPRING CLEANING - DAY 2
Attack of the kitchen!

1. Give 409 (or some such homemade organic cleaner) to kids and stand back for spray shower on appliance degreasing.

2. Remove lace valance and hand wash, line dry, iron (omg I hope it doesn't disintegrate)

3. Top of fridge, what's that??

4. Clean tile counters with a little bleach, wear old Tshirt!!

5. You know those thingy's you put on your feet to mop the floor? Hmmmm.

And that is just before noon. OK, ok, will take the afternoon off and PLAY with the kids, or go to the beach, or walk the dog, or ...

*snap*

Today is the day I SUBMIT an entry in a formal juried art show. My first time ever entering with a fee, $8. LUCKILY I made one sale at the Farmer's Market on Saturday (poo, just 1). Even though it's only $8 to enter I feel hugely better using earnings for the fee instead of my own pocket money.

I'll find out by Wednesday if I make it in the show.

Here's some new work I am going to enter into future shows.

Pressed Plant Enhanced Photo Compositions

Last day of work for the summer! When my kids are off, I am off except for 2 days/month.

My left brain has it all ready - scheduled and free time, home biz here I come, and cleaning out the kids' rooms!

To prepare for a 2 week camping trip coming soon, I'm trolling the thrift stores for new family/kids activities. Found the 'UnGame' (from 1975) for $2. We tested it out for 1/2 hour, the kids have already pulled it out twice more to play with. Anyone heard of this? You travel around a board pulling a card with a very univeral question when landing on those spots. Such as 'Say something about war' or 'what color is happiness'. There are no right or wrong answers. The discussions get lively.

----------------------------------------
Also last year we had this useful boredom buster:

1. Write on slips of paper fun, as well as, chore activities. Examples:

Weed the flower bed.
30 minutes board game.
Swiffer the living room.
Trip to rent a movie.
Ride bike to the park.
Take dog for a walk.
Bake cookies.

2. Put slips in decorated lidded box or can.

3. Pick one when summer vacation boredom hits, with the promise that WHATEVER comes out will be done.

NOTE: Limit picking slips to one or two a day if necessary.

----------------------------------------
So long to bus commutes which yielded stuff like this for the next 8 weeks!

Little Lamb Newly Born Photo Baby Announcements - Pack of 4
(if the pics don't work, click here)

pics

I don't watch nor listen more than an hour or so a day, far less than a typical CNN junkie. But the world problems weigh on me, especially in light of raising two grade school kids and with parents advancing in age. (Hormone changes in life don't help either!!)

Discovering a sweet therapy. It's rewarding, creative, and inexpensive (my specialty!). What is it?

Pointing my camera to happy things, scenes, and otherwise good subjects.

Here is a place I'd like to cast off the cares, not to mention the socks.

Under the Trestles


And you wouldn't believe this is not in 'big sky country', that I'm a city girl.

Grazing Sky Scape


Not to forget the technical side of my brain.

Old Arch Bridge


More photos to lighten up at

http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettycheap (please respect my ownership rights and do not reproduce).

How long has this Wizard101 game been around? It's very Harry Potter'ish, seems innocent enough, and there's very little, if not no, pressure to buy anything.

Wizard101

My grade school kids heard from friends at school, and tried it out about a week ago.

It takes an inordinate amount of time to load, but I chilled out and let it go.

They are having a blast and the only caveat is to limit the time so they don't become couch potatoes!

Anyone else heard of it? If there's a catch and you figure it out, make a comment here. Thanks.

Though comparison shopping is very time consuming I enjoy the bargain hunt and usually just do without if the item is not found at an acceptable price.

That means today I am:

~ wearing really old tennis shoes (haven't found suitable replacements in the boys section of the sports store, payless or a going out of biz store yet)

~ a second hand sweater

~ carrying a thrift store purse (I love it)

~ wearing white sports socks from one of those swap meet vendor type packages (and might even darn them when they get holes).

But I expected a Target coupon for $5 off $50 purchase to go farther than it did yesterday.

List of Potential Needed Items:
girls bathing suit
girls tennis shoes
movie for Dad for Father's Day
lightweight folding lawn chairs

These are tough tough items to find, I've been scouring Craigs for the lawn chairs (everyone only uses stacking ones now but I have not given up at yard sales), and I will not get my kids secondhand shoes or bathing suits anymore (bad fit, worn out and bad value).

Off we went, DD9 and I, to the kids section. There were a nice selection of suits, especially in her size, and one for $13. She also wished for another for $19 which included a little skirt. Then to the shoes, nothing. I passed a rack of stretch black pants for moms. Hmmmmmm.

The last black stretch pants I had were from a higher end women's store (my mom had given me a gift cert some years ago) and they fit like a dream! This store closed a year or so ago and I have been searching for longer than that to replace the pants. I have also scoured Susie's Deals for something similar for over a year.

Well the Petit fit great. OK, they were $20. I decided yes. It was worth the price for the years of time I put in trying to find the same thing for less.

We never made it to the garden chair section. Those two bathing suits and the pants were $51. Bleh. I let the kid get both suits since the coupon would indirectly lower the price of one suit to $8.

So now all I want to know is:

Will these $20 yoga pants last awhile?

Three photos of mine were accepted into an art show at the local (very very busy) community hospital lobby!

They will hang 3 months, a relatively long show!

The topic was 'Lazy Hazy Days of Summer' and the pics include:

Leaf Me Alone
THANK YOU to momcents for the title!!


Mustard FireWorks
see it here

http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettycheap/3499439890/

Made in the Shade
see it here http://www.flickr.com/photos/prettycheap/3499439916/in/photo...

Please respect my copyrights on these images and DO NOT REPRODUCE

They will be framed sweetly and priced fairly.

for the non-logophiles: epiphanous (def): a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.


1. Fledgling Flight. Not for the first time, but for the longest and least parented time, DD9 has 2-night Girl Scout overnight camp. It's a big troop of 20 girls and there were 2 leaders present (with 2 or 3 parents helping out at any given time here and there over the weekend). She's been in it for 5 years and when I was a leader for the first couple years she was way more insecure in my absences. (We now have the quintessential Girl Scout leader who not only can sing ALL the songs, but knows the words). Daughter is grumpy when I pick her up, as she doesn't want to leave. Didn't brush her hair the whole time.

2. First Bad Hair Day. More hair problems. My son awakens to his appearance, or at least awakens. He cares what happens when he wears a baseball cap and his hair is all wet. Most time ever in front of the bathroom mirror, distressed as all h*ll about a lock or two near his ear. Tries alternately wetting it and blowing with the hair dryer. Over and over again. Get a shorter haircut? Blasphemy. Go back to evening showers? Pfffft. Of course it looks the same as every other day (to me).

3. Blasts from the past. Saturday night I went to a reunion of co-workers from 29 years ago. What can I say, you had to be there? Kind of like a high school reunion, with a much lower trauma factor. Picture a hundred new graduates from colleges around the states in LA in 1982 or so and single, and ... that says enough. One of the best times in our lives, I guess we all wanted not only to relive it a little, but see who turned out how. One fellow never married and is saving the world with 'Water for People' (building wells and clean water in the third world), the best looking guy now has 5 kids, all girls. One of our old bosses showed up (now retired)! UGH!! I didn't look as old as I worried, somewhere inbetween the two guys I would NEVER have recognized in a million years (one looked like my dad, but once he started blabbing it was his old crazy self) and the two girls whom time has NOT TOUCHED!! Names from 20 years ago kept popping up, ouch my memory cells HURT!

With the swine flu on the wane, my kid is probably one of the last to have a very mild sore throat and cold. But need to keep him out of school, which keeps me out of work. S'ok, no pay, but a long to do list:

...Squeeze oranges from tree into OJ
...Make muffins with 2 overripe bananas
...Make something for next Tues school bake sale (probably will use the leftover condensed milk for fudge!!)
...shopping errands

Of the last I will keep costs down, use coupons. For example, my girl would love a few ice skate skirts now that she is in the 3rd level lessons. OK. I can sew. There is a pattern at Joann's and it only takes a little glitzy fabric and a bit of elastic to make the skirts. Yes, I have a 40% off coupon and a sewing machine.

A few things at the dollar store, ie bandaids.

And a wedding gift. They registered at Bed Bath Beyond just a couple weeks ago. The wedding is Labor Day weekend (Sept) so I am going to be one of the first to get in there and choose something REASONABLY priced before only the $500 dollar bed sets are left. Or whatever they listed.

Here's a look at my back yard yesterday.
It's not a honey bee (right?) but is very busy pollinating the apple trees, jasmine and other stuff we have growing. There were a couple dozen of his friends too.

That's what they call it around here, followed by June gloom. Just a function of the marine layer most every morning which clears up by early afternoon (but not always).



A few weeks ago I was contacted by a big group of co-workers from 26 years ago. We are having a reunion this Saturday! I haven't seen most of the people in all those years. (and they haven't seen me!)

Half crazy with self conciousness, half crazy with anticipation, I'm sure it will be a HUGE HOOT.

They know I have a small jewelry design biz and I'm bringing samples. Who knows.

You saw the offer on the Oprah show? Here's the link to the coupon on her website-

http://www.oprah.com/article/oprahshow/20090430-tows-kfc-cou...

ends midnight Central time Wed, hurry!

An on-line buddy makes me wiggle!



Thank you Sparks of

http://www.grungehobbit.com

The spring peak has passed but there are still many enchanting subjects before the heat hits. This one is a visitor to my weekend house front yard.

Does this leaf make her look fat?


I'd like to enter this image into a call for art themed 'Lazy Hazy Days of Summer'. (Because I am from the midwest and summer equals bugs!).

But I need a better title, any ideas?
'Don't Bug Me'
'Bug Bum'
'Does this Leaf make me look fat?'

What a pleasure to flex this new camera's muscles! I have gotten to know the close up side of things, and next want to get good at the long range side of things. Think fabulous mountain ranges over valleys dotted with oaks, etc.

Juxtapose a black covered table full of gemstone and pearl jewelry with a spray paint artist and synthesizer music ...

for 6 or more hours ...

Yesterday was the first day of a big art event in the downtown center where I live. I had planned to set up in the empty foyer of a store recently closed (who hosted me in the past), but the shop has been leased to a real estate biz starting April 1.

For fun (?) the owner decided to have a big art bash for the weekend. The picture windows were full of very urban style artwork, ie sharks, skulls, flames, slogans. Inside was loads of stuff on the walls, floors, demos, music.

There was a constant crowd of 20 and 30 somethings out front. Tattoos everywhere. Skinny pants, bohemian skirts, greased hair, fluffy hair, green hair, pink hair.

A slightly older guy did a (really good) spray paint portrait of Louis Armstrong in black and white out front. Of course, a kinda scary one where his face is all squeezed up like when he plays the trumpet.

It was ok, but for one yucky thing. I noticed alot of these people smoked.

Anyway, I set up on the sidewalks to the side instead.

Sales were good, but it was an unsettling experience. I guess art is supposed to do that to you.

And I will congratulate myself!! Met a goal of selling an item priced at $50 for the first time! This one is gone to a very nice older lady:

Pearl Mix Set

Necklaces? Check
Earrings? Check
Cards? Check
Tablecloths? Check
Chairs? Check

...

This weekend is (maybe the last) big 2-day ArtWalk I am vending. Normally held twice a year, the city is unable to pitch in staff, marketing, and public services funds in the future. (Those trash cans, shuttle busses, and foot officers add up).

But I am throwing 110% effort into the gig. In fact, the retail store that hosted me in the past has closed but is allowing me to set up across their complete front window. This is a quadruple of the space I normally get!!

Foot traffic is major. Thousands of folks stroll around. More in good weather, more in good economic times.

New work to show:

Bead Embellished Embroidery Card


My kids usually stay at home with Dad the whole two days, but he is on a non-optional biz trip this year! So I have arranged for a neighbor's teen to 'hang out' with the kids all day Saturday. This allows them to play outside with friends as usual.

I didn't have to pay a fee to enter Artwalk (since my host closed), but now feel I have to make up the babysitter fee.

Keep fingers crossed for good weather and making up that fee!

Ups and downs. The story of the week.

The Ups: Made shell earrings and necklaces from supplies at a local sea store and the employee at the time encouraged me to bring in a photo of the work for their bulletin board. I'm happy with the results (see below).





The Downs: Upon returning with a nicely designed half sheet flyer with the pics, my shop website and little tear-off coupons to post on their wall, the employee at THAT time said NO NO NO, they would not advertise for me.

The Ups: Got samples ready, especially, cards, to take to a shop who was relocating and wanted to start dealing more in small, inexpensive items. This is the shop who has 'hosted' me for artwalk for a couple years. They are closing their large, downtown location but letting me set up in front for artwalk anyway next weekend.

The Downs: The shop owner decided not to re-open after all. She is taking a break from retail for the unforeseen future and working in her husband's insurance business for awhile! No future orders for me I guess!

The Ups: After a sale to the camera store lady for an item on my website, she asked me to do 2 repairs for her. Done, and delivered, NO DOWN HERE! This is the customer from heaven

The Ups: The art gallery shop committee meeting discussed 'featuring' active members (which I am one) and I'm scheduled for May! Doesn't really mean a huge amount. I get a little sign in the shop, a bio, and probably a set aside area devoted to all my things! Nothing in the way of media cause we just aren't that sophisticated yet! OK! I'll take it and maybe spread the word to media myself. NO DOWN HERE YET EITHER!

Pinch me! Is it true you get what you pay for? Then how did this come about?

The free photo book that came with the new camera I bought a few weeks ago is done! It is a product book of my jewelry and craft work. Some of the photos are less than perfect, because there was not time to retake using the new better camera (and I am NOT a perfect photographer). Still I am very happy and know just which shop to take it to first!

COVER



Pages 1,2



Pages 3,4



Pages 5,6



Pages 7,8



Pages 9,10



Page 11



First three pages are about jewelry, then a page about journals, next couple about cards, and the last for bags.

Not to worry about a customer asking for an exact item! It worked out by describing the itemsa as 'Handmade Link Chains (example shown - blah blah blah)' and 'Needlework Cards - Bead, Lace, Special Trim'.

Sooooo, will it pay for itself? It already has! The lady at the photo store bought a necklace and wants me to lengthen another for her.

How do you say 'free lunch'?

A couple weeks ago I made a concerted effort to purchase a new digital camera in a locally owned shop.

Two days ago, upon contacting them for specifics on how to redeem some free print coupons, I found out they are closing at the end of the month.

Bleh. All the Ritz Camera stores in my area are closing. Something like only 6 will remain open in the CA/NV area.

The employees were surprised but still wonderfully courteous to me. The coupon for free prints was honored as will be a coupon for a Photo Album.

In fact, the free Photo Album is a deal! A 8 1/2 x 11 twelve page hardcover beauty. Snazzy layouts and great textural backgrounds included.

It will be a Pretty Cheap Jewelry Product book! Containing example designs and types of items. Like these:

NECKLACES






EARRINGS





BRACELETS






CARDS






JOURNALS




Concern #1: These are mostly 1-of-a-kind things. I have to include only those things I am able (or willing!) to reproduce. But a person seeing the catalog will not get a duplicate. Do you think that's ok?

Concern #2: Picture quality! These are taken with my old camera, and I do not have time to reshoot! The free deal must be redeemed very soon according to the staff because of the closing.

Any pictures you think are horrible?

My apologies to the optometrists.

Anyone a Flickr user here? Need help choosing good nature photo Flickr groups. Please leave a link in the comments. Thanks

For shots like this:

DESERT DAISY


LOG COMPANY


HORTON'S HOUSE

Recipe for peace on Earth
(or at least peace of mind)
1 native plant seed
2 pelting rainstorms
dozen hot dry days

Mix Seed with small pinch or two of soil. Do not over mix. Add rainstorms at intervals with hot dry days. Leave to rise for a few months.

Serves plenty.





Taken Mar/Apr 2009 - California Poppy Reserve and Red Rock Canyon State Park.
Please do not copy photos without written permission of the Frugal Artisan.

A back to basics reminder in this high tech rushed time.

Original prints, by private order.

Above: Fruits of Labor, 5" x 7" glossy, Blank Note Card

One - $3.50
Two - $6.00
Three - $7.50
Five or More - $2.00 ea

To Place an Order contact me at prettycheapjewelry@gmail.com or inside the website above.

SPECIAL NOTE: Free download of the image above to Saving Advicers. Please simply credit to the 'Frugal Artisan' at http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com

Being an 'A' type has it's advantages.

1. You can eat most anything with a hyperdrive metabolism without gaining weight. (But still have high cholesterol).

2. Lots of money gets saved on gym memberships (you don't need one).

3. Multi-tasking is for weenies, google-tasking is the norm. The house is clean, the yard is pretty tidy, the meals are planned for a week, laundry is going, etc.

But there are disadvantages too.

1. The brain is hard to calm, there's always a few things trying to get attention.

2. Sometimes, ok, most of the time, you overthink, over-analyze and worry about things too much.

Take the camera situation (see yesterday's post). For several years I have used a hand-me-down digital for all things photo'ed. Such as the items I sell on-line (left sidebar), family events, and more.

Being not only resistant to new technology, (who wants to relearn how to use a camera?), and armed with a 'If it ain't broke don't fix it!' mentality, I plodded along.

More and more I was faced with the limits of this camera. Especially: not able to photo closely with enough clarity; and a desire to get back to an old love of creative photography (I have a special friend in the closet, my Nikon SLR from 25 years ago).

Sooooo I got it. A beautiful little new love, Canon A590 IS.

It was only $124! And I splurged on a new high tech rechargeable battery pack for $25. (At least I don't have to relearn how to recharge batteries).

My hubby already had a spare 1 Gig chip. I am going to sew a sweet little case with space for extra batteries, and whatnot.

What spurred me to write this entry though-
What a relief to take this step. Like getting married, or buying a house, it feels like What Was the Big Deal?

So on my happy way I go today. Here are the first demo takes (watch for some spectacular wildflower scenes coming to this blog soon):

It's a minor necessity. I have the cash in hand. And have researched the competition into the ground.

So the time has come. Today is the day I am going to at least *see* *feel* *discuss* the Canon A590 IS digital camera at the local Ritz camera store.

Yes, I said local. Yes I said digital camera.

My existing camera is a hand-me-down from shopper DH. So it's been in the family some 6+ years. (He has the next generation one).

I use it extensively for product photos (see left sidebar) and have s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-d it to its limits. With glee.

Guess what?! My 11DS gets it as an incentive to go to overnight camp with 5th grade as soon as I get a new one. He is waiting ... tap tap tap ... waiting.

(He was reluctant to take this trip due to his normally introverted nature.)

Looked at Cnet, Consumer Reports, PriceGrabber, ad nauseum. Ugh. There are Sonys, Kodaks, Nikons, and enough to make your head spin. Not my idea of fun sorting this out. But holding the line on cost and particular features I wish, the Canon A590 keeps surfacing.

One call and the store said they have it. I didn't even know there WAS a Ritz camera store nearby. Was HOPING to do this locally, not over the net to BOOT!

WOOT!

24 Cards ... That's how many I took to a new sales venue today. I hope they all get displayed.

It was a stroke of luck or maybe when one door closes, another opens?

The closing: is a business at the end of the month that generously gave me space 2ce a year for the past few years during a big city-sponsored art event. In fact, they finally had carried a few of my products (and sold almost half over a few month period).

The opening: of a card rack in the city Visitor Center which already gives my art association space. A call to members was made yesterday to bring in cards for sale. So I wasted nada time, zip, zot, zwin I went.

My work is completely different than the typical art card. That's my only concern. They are not the usual print of an original painting.

I took with confidence: dried flower cards (small beauties themselves), and a new line of photo cards (WOOT! satisfying a personal goal how to get more involved with photography).

These are the ones I wasn't sure about: embroidered cards -




But as I tell my kids, "You'll never know if you don't try."

OK, if they don't think these kind belong in an art card rack, let 'em call me to pick up.

Taken by surprise yesterday! After 50 years of pennies in my hand, it is different!!



Did you know this was in the works? I didn't. Where have I been? OK, don't answer that.

Lots of interesting info in this article such as; there will be 4 designs this year depicting Lincoln's life.

http://coins.about.com/b/2009/02/12/the-new-us-penny-is-here...

It's one of the things I hate when someone says "Kids grow up so fast". I reply as quickly as possible, "You forget!"

...the daily aggravations? pick up, hurry up, wash up

...the worries? where are they with their friends, what are they doing up there out of sight, when will they encounter drugs, sex, bad internet sites

...the sacrifices? forgeddabout trips abroad, dates with your spouse, chasing your own dream for awhile

WHOA.

Then I read this little essay in a book from the library fundraiser. Intriguing first few paragraphs, put me right in my place. Thank goodness.

The Gift
by Renee R. Vroman

It was a warm summer day when the gods placed it in her hands. She trembled with emotion as she saw how fragile it appeared. This was a very special gift the gods were entrusting to her. A gift that would one day belong to the world. until then, they instructed her, she was to be its guardian and protector. The woman said she understood and reverently took it home, determined to live up to the faith the gods had placed in her.

At first she barely let it out of her sight, protecting it from anything she perceived to be harmful to its well-being; watching with fear in her heart when it was exposed to the environment outside of the sheltered coccon she had fromed around it. But the woman began to realize that she could not shelter it forever. It needed to learn to survive the harsh elements in order to grow strong. So with gentle care she gave it more space to grow, enough to allow it to grow wild and untamed.

Sometimes she would lie in bed at night, feelings of inadequacy overwhelming her. She wondered if she was capable of handling the awesome responsibility placed on her. Then she would hear the quiet whispers of the gods reassuring her that they knew she was doing her best. And she would fall asleep feeling comforted.

The woman grew more at ease with her responsibility as the years passed. The gift had enriched her life in so many ways by its very presence that she could no longer remember what her life had been like before receiving it, nor imagine what life would be like without it. She had all but forgotten her agreement with the gods.

One day she became aware of how much the gift had changed. It no longer had a look of vulnerability about it. Now it seemed to glow with sternght and steadiness, almost as if it were developing a power within. Month after month she watched as it became stronger and more powerful, and the woman remembered her promise. She knew deep within her heart that her time with the gift was nearing an end.

The inevitable day arrived when the gods came to take the gift and present it to the world. The woman felt a deep sadness, for she would miss its constant presence in her life. With heartfelt gratitude, she thanked the gods for allowing her the privilege of watching over the precious gift for so many years. Straightening her sholders, she stood proud, knowing that it was, indeed, a very special gift. One that would add to the beauty and essence of the world around it. And the mother let her child go.


(reprinted without permission, but certainly allowed within the spirit of the editors, from A 3rd Serving of Chicken Soup for the Soul)

Yes, I skipped a little along with my kids the next day ~ and will do so today and the next day and the next day ...

Top o’ the morning to you! We’re having a little St. Patrick’s Day fun over at the

Etsy Twitter Team blog! It’s time to “Find the Leprechaun”!

Ten leprechauns pictures are hidden in the item listings in the shops below. Click through the shops to find the
leprechauns. When you find one, send the URL of the item displaying a leprechaun in the pictures via email to:

etsytwitterteam@gmail.com

You may enter more than once as long as you have a different URL for each entry.

No purchase necessary to enter or win. Must be at least 18 years old to enter.

Entries must be received by
midnight EST on March 16th.

Five winners will be chosen by random on
March 17th!


List of participating shops:

Threepeats
Art by Betty Refour
In My Head Studios
Sandi's Ts
Liv'nGood Jewelry
Firebird House
Rhodes Annals Designs
Jenco13
Emily Claire Creations
Fat Daddy Sweets
Joslin Jewels
Herban Lifestyle
Peanut and Tommy
Nikky Lee Designs
Linda B's
Creations
Sox and Patches
Angel Kisses Jewelry
Imogen's Garden
Ambient Lights
Soap Rehab
Huayruro Peru
Bugs 'n Bees
Pretty Cheap
Aquarian Bath
Scrap With Style
Bella Tu Jewelry
Tamdoll

And what might you win? Our team
donated some very lovely prizes! See the team blog link in the first paragraph for pics!

Soap Rehap-Wasabi Ginger Soap
Bar is bright, green, and fresh--all the good stuff but without the
bite! Notes of eucalyptus, ginger, and top notes of lemon and a hint
of mint make for a refreshing clean feeling.

Fat Daddy Sweets-Caramels
Wonderfully buttery, creamy sweet goodness. Soft vanilla caramels are handmade, cut and rolled and will cure any sweet tooth!

Tamdoll-Fabric Button Brooch
Frayed edged fabrics, button sewn on, pin on the back.

Emily Claire Creations- Jewelry
Shimmery silver chimes with amethyst and moss green cat's eye beads. A silver leaf toggle clasp completes this enchanted ensemble. This bracelet measures at 7 1/4" (excluding the clasp). It is made to
wear a little loose, so it may shimmer with any wrist movement.

Joslin Jewels-Jewelry
Faceted and translucent beads of natural green chrysoprase, each adorned with a
sterling silver bead cap resembling a three-leaf clover, suspended from handmade sterling silver ear wires.


Thank you to Sheridan, from Joslin Jewels, who made the great leprechaun graphic for our contest!!

GOOD LUCK!

And no, it's NOT what you're thinking.

And besides beading. What is it? Arranging and Pressing flowers.

Inexpensive
Flowers, leaves, plants can be gathered from most anywhere. Your yard is a beginning point. Street landscaping? Park bushes?

Three Pot Series - Geranium


All you need is card stock and a bottle of white glue. Pre-packaged blank cards in a pack of 20 or more can be found at the hobby store for under $5.

Or fold your own and make envelopes, it isn't that hard.

Historical
Without any research, common sense tells me this has been done by at least my great grandmother's generation in the early 1900s. (Off to look up some interesting facts on arranging dried flowers...)

Big Clay Pot Series - Spring Bouquet


I like the connection to the past and the satisfaction of continuing the tradition. My kids know how to press flowers now.

Practical
These cards are impressive to give on occasions ie, birthday, Mother's Day, friendship, condolences, etc. Very personal and unmass-made. Sign your name on the back!

Black Vase Series - Formal Bouquet


Notice in the above examples the little added touches of fancy edged borders (doesn't everyone have one of these scissors now?) and hand cut pots and vases. Scared of the scissors? Skip the vase and glue on a ribbon tied like a bow. Easy!