The Frugal Artisan

My shopping list is smiling!

Have been thinking what to give my 8-yo carefree sunny daughter for a big happy gift under the tree this year (especially after she sees the BIG box containing a skateboard ramp for her brother, and nooooo I do not play those 'must give even number of gifts to children' games...)

Short of a live, breathing, soft furry animal pet I come up with Nothing. Not even a big big doll house that wouldn't get used enough and costs too much.

BINGO! She is an accomplished roller and ice skater and wanted Heely's a couple years ago (those shoes with roller skates in the heel). In the past I was unwilling to spend $30 on them. But she's ready! And now I am

Here's the solution - pack them in a BIG BIG box which I have saved from getting a couple bar stools earlier in the year.

HA HA!

Not to mention I am soooooooo bent on sticking to low tech, unplugged, healthy activities for the kids as much as possible. Yes, they have their WebKinz and computer stuff, and yes they can plug in some. But this is the balance.

Perfect! He gets the skateboard ramp, and she can zoom up and down on the roller skates.

Start a gift list now if you haven't already. Write down all the expected - AND UNEXPECTED - persons you want to make happy this holiday and the item you plan to purchase.

Keep this list handy! Consult it in your purse or wallet when you are out and about looking for bargains the next 6 weeks.

I find this system keeps me focussed and reduces spending. No need much for spontaneous purchases.

So here we go:

Daughter
Art Kit (already bought with a coupon)
Daring Book for Girls (already bought)
8-Ball (will use $10 gift card)
Still need one big happy item

Son
Portable Skateboard Ramp (already bought)
Model Airplane (bought with coupon)
Origami Book/paper (need)
Still need one small item

Hubby
Ping Pong Table (for the weekend house)

Brother and Wife
Need one good item (probably from Etsy)
3 Nieces
Book Store Gift Cards this year

Sister and Husband
Big box of hand me down stuff for her 2 yo already packed
Rechargeable Battery Pack & Batts (need)

Parents
2 pr faux or real shearling lined slippers

MIL
husband splitting cost of cable sub for her

My Best Friend
Need something unique from Etsy
her son
Model probably

Teachers
Nice bar of handmade soap and scrubby

only a few additional entries might be made, now the only question is WHERE AM I GOING TO HIDE THE PING PONG TABLE???

I had an interview today with a very busy coffee house owner to ask if they would be interested to carry my items for sale.

I am a regular customer (once every couple weeks) and back in the spring light heartedly mentioned "I could spruce up those [3 empty wooden] shelves for you!"

Just happened to be cashiered by the owner who very nicely replied, "Ask me later in the year, I just had a baby".

Oooooo. I am like an elephant and never forget.

Today I showed her some samples and met with me for about 15 minutes

She was most interested in my Gifted Cards (smarter than your average card) like the one below. And will show the other co-owners before ordering wholesale.

.....It would be GREAT....

GIFTED CARD - CONGRATULATIONS
These pretty earrings are attached right on the front of a greeting card scripted "Congratulations". Card and earrings designed and crafted by me.

A good friend just mailed this to me. A good reminder. Courtesy

http://www.designsbymariejulie.etsy.com
------------------------------------------
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day are not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and the 2 Beers.

A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him. When the class began, he wordlessly picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with golf balls. He
then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.

The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them into the jar He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls. He then asked the students again if the jar was
full. They agreed it was.

The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else. He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a unanimous 'yes.'

The professor then produced two Beers from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.

'Now,' said the professor as the laughter subsided, 'I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things---your family, your children, your health, your friends
and your favorite passions---and if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full.

The pebbles are the other things that matter like your job, your house and your car.

The sand is everything else---the small stuff. 'If you put the sand into the jar first,' he continued, 'there is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff you will never have room for the things that are important to you.

'Pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Spend time with your children. Spend time with your parents. Visit with grandparents. Take time to get medical checkups. Take your spouse out to dinner.

Play another 18. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the disposal. Take care of the golf balls first---the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.'

One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the Beer represented. The professor smiled and said, 'I'm glad you asked.'

The Beer just shows you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of Beers with a friend.'

My sister visited from afar this past week and brought me some large, unusual drilled turquoise nuggets. Hmmm. Not my normal style.

But I love a design challenge, and the cerebral lightbulb lit up after seeing silverplated tubular pendant hangers in the jewelry supply shop.

Do you think these have universal appeal?
Includes a leather cord to fit any large size person.

BIG NUGGET NECKLACE


Constantly a dilemma to make things that you love or you think will sell. I tend to emphasize the former, using a classic style that means the latter is built in.

One other question. I love cross stitching cards and journal covers. But find they are less universally appealing. Am trying to get noticed by the 'mom' and younger market by using clever unique quips (see below). Any suggestions how to break in (except facebook, myspace)?

DOG DAYS JOURNAL

Our grade school has teamed with a photo studio to offer $20 portraits (a portion goes to the 5th grade camp out fund).

We get one 10x12" photo (3 alternative sittings, but I want the one with the whole family). I'm sure they will try to sell lots of options. But NOPE.

I just want the ONE pic to go with the formal piece on the wall of us 5 years ago when the kids were under ages five.

We're just doing the white shirts and jeans outfits, the background will be gray. WISH ME A GOOD HAIR DAY !! :~)

Production line closed! All 3 big jobs on my To Do list for the week are DONE.

1. Clean kitchen, dining area floors.
2. Make applesauce.
3. Finish 2 jewelry projects that have languished on my desk for A YEAR.

And I still did a couple little things to boot:
a. made 3 cards out of the finished cross stitch designs from commuting
b. experiment with new ring design

Here is the second and final jewelry that I have put off making. Why? Each little glass raindrop is wirewrapped, a time consuming and repetitive job. The final piece is not EXACTLY what I envisioned a year ago but I'm very satisfied with the results.

Golden White Necklace and Earring Set

They don't call me the thrift store queen for nuthin'

Nubby eggplant snap up shows off an original necklace of my own design.

The sweater? $4
The necklace? Will be in the low $20s

And I finally realize that although I am a saver, it is the penny pinching spending I enjoy the most. Capice?

VINTAGE MEETS LEATHER
A vintage rhinestone link from an irreparable bracelet anchors loads of silver-lined lemon and iridescent emerald/sapphire/violet scallops. Strung on leather, silvertone toggle clasp. 18" length.

I don't know about you, but we find great stuff at the thrifts.

Today? 2 nubby long sleeve sweaters for me (one in the boy's section, one in the girl's) $5 for the pair

1 MouseTrap Game $2

1 Intermed. Paint-by-Number $1

2 sweatpants for kid $1.50 for the both

1 supreme frothy dress up for dreaming $2
small price to pay, eh?

My online crafting club has made a Gift Guide using a free website host

Weebly.

Firstly it is brilliant in the use of a free service and a wonderful way to get the word out to shoppers.

If you seek something for the person who has everything, or are just wishing for the un-mass produced for a holiday gift, this is the place!

http://www.handmadeincalifornia.net

You will be rewarded with excellent service - each and every one of these shop owners are known to me and have very high quality standards.

Not only are these all 'Made in California' owners, you can feel good about supporting independent, small businesses.

I have no items in the site so this is an unbiased blog post! Enough said! Go click!

Ben and Jerry's is giving away scoops to all who vote Nov 4 from 5-8 pm. Just say you did or bring a receipt.
See here

http://www.benjerry.com/features/i_voted/index.cfm?utm_sourc...

How about goodwill online??
An easy entertainment or pass-time;
looks like the better items at auction.

http://www.shopgoodwill.com

Instead of spending bucks on craft fair displays, then waiting anxiously to recoup that cost, all you need is a little ingenuity!

A spinning rack is really useful for small items like jewelry.

My sister gave me the catalytic idea - A LAZY SUSAN! Of course *slaps forehead*.

I had all of the materials in scraps from my husbands many home projects except the lazy susan itself. My total cost was $12! (The lazy susan only @ $15 minus 20% using a BBB coupon).

Want to make one?
Step-by-Step: How To Make a Spinning Display Rack:

Materials (see photo):

~Segment of plastic pipe-easy to get at the hardware store in white or black
~2 Wood Dowels, painted or colored to match the pipe
~Wood block for pipe base
~Duct Tape
~Lazy Susan (not shown)

1. Drill a pair holes in opposite sides of the pipe by measuring up from the end on each side. Be sure the holes are the size of the dowel, err on the small side if you are not sure what size hole to make! You can always enlarge the hole a tiny bit, not make it smaller though (and your dowel would be too loose). Be sure the height is sufficient for hanging your product.
(see photo)


2. Drill a second pair of holes in opposite sides of the pipe. Make this 2nd pair perpendicular to the first pair of holes. Insert dowels.
(see photo)


3. Attach the pipe to the wood block with duct tape (see photos). The block gives the pipe stability. You could also use a thick piece of plastic or other strong flat material. OPTIONAL: Attach the pipe directly to the lazy susan and forego the wood block. However, I wish to disassemble and store the display easier.



4. Load up with product! I made a little sign for the top. (see photo). Although my lazy susan is not shown in the picture it works great! I'll use a little packing tape to attach the wood block to the lazy susan temporarily each show.

Thanks for watching!

He was my 17 year old cat (my husband thinks he was 16). Over the past summer he had what I think was a kitty stroke, robbed him of some motor skills, some brainpower. We made one vet trip who wanted to do the whole 9 yards (lab work) to tell me it was just old age. That was when I was distraught.

The last week or so he had developed a cough (fluid in the lungs no doubt), been disinterested in water (usually a big drinker), not eating, not moving around much and unsteady on his feet when he was. The writing was on the walls, it was a matter of 48, maybe 72 hours.

I am not distraught now. Because in the summertime time I made a plan how to euthanize him when needed. It was (in hindsight) a simple call to the County shelter who does the service 7 days a week. There is a small fee ($30). It gave me much relief to have the option of taking him there when I felt it right without the trauma of last minute emergency.

Was I callous? Pragmatic? Heavy handed?
I don't really care what others think. I'm glad for not being stressed by paying out a load of money for putting him down. But it's pretty quiet around here without him.

Small business owners spend as much time advertising as they do making actual sales (probably even more of the former). On line marketing can be a huge time sink, so it's important to make every moment of effort yield the biggest possible return.

OK, nothing smart yet. And let's throw in that I personally need to do all my advertising free.

Yesterday I was browsing a magazine my husband subscribes to. It appeals to him (and me) on the subjects of science and travel. These are not my core markets, but there were a few articles on subjects more directly up my small biz alley (specifically environmentalism).

One of the articles mentioned a website that is hugely popular, gets something like 2 million hits a month. (Compare that to Etsy which I think gets something like 1 million hits a month). It not only is a site which I am interested in, and will participate in for my own love, but is associated with a larger group I already respect.

NOW THERE IS WHERE I WANT TO BE SEEN!
I perused the site today, joined the forum and off we go!

What is it?

Tree Hugger dot com
A part of the larger Discovery Channel network.

"Think Outside the Box" Ornament Competition is being held by the local Art Association. It is free to members (which I am) and $2 for non-members. A small price to pay for a lot of fun.

Every entrant was given a 3 inch square cardboard box. Rules? Anything goes except (1) it had to be hang'able.

Voting is open to the gallery visitors and there will be prizes for winners (such as dinner gift certs).

My entry is themed 'Bless the Beasts and the Children'. Inside the mini stick and bark house are (toy) kids, dogs, sheep, horse, etc. The natural materials represent 'Peace on Earth'.



I don't expect to win, but am happy with the entry. Thanks for taking a peek.

They say "7th Annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social at participating Cold Stone Creamery locations nationwide, a special night to join together and share the simple pleasures of life with a FREE ice cream and family fun. On September 25th from 5:00 - 8:00PM, guests will be treated to a 3 oz. serving of Jack or Emily's Creation. All donations will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation."

Complete details here:

http://www.coldstonecreamery.com/promotions.html

The Pretty Cheap Jewelry clan is getting a family portrait taken in October.
What to wear?? Ideas please!

Given:
1. Don't want to spend a lot of money (you knew that!)
2. Don't want to be completely matching.
3. I'd like to be formal or at least well dressed if possible.
4. Small copies will be part of my Christmas cards.

There are 4 of us: me, Dad, 10-yr old son, and 8-yo daughter.

Ideas:
1. Hawaiian shirts ?? Not my style really, but Dad already has one, and I can get kid's ones easy at the thrift store.

2. ____fill in here_____

They will be giving us a grey background.

By the way, this whole thing is a great bargain from my kids school. It is part of a fundraiser to the 5th grade camp out week. We get one sitting and a professional 8x10 for $20.

And fits in really perfectly with the family chronicles -- I had a portrait done 5 years ago and was hoping to have one done at milestones such as every 5 or 10 years.

Thnks.

NEW promo from D-land finally!
Just found out about this - free Disneyland admission on your birthday next year, or if you are a passholder, you can get a gift card or a birthday fastpass...

http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillY...

Thx to a colleague on Etsy for this tip-
http://www.redbessbonney.etsy.com

DANG my hubby's bday was 2 days ago !!
But it looks like only for 2009 anyway. And both my kids have the same bday in Feb 2009 !! Whee! Signing up for 2 tix.

Wish I had a picture of him to post.

Sugar is a golden ret mix, medium 40 lb, all white long haired dog. High energy, fairly needy.

Adopted from the shelter he has helped my kids get to know dogs better and relieve some fear. But he is a little skittish, doesn't like surprise touches in the tail area and beware of getting near his face when he's eating or has a bone.

And sensitive to brushing. Now I could rename my biz to 'Hair of the Dog', but BLEH. I am able to brush him lightly as often as I can, but certainly not as thoroughly as he needs. Can you say 'mats'?

After a number of appointments with the PetCo groomer (who wanted to do the grooming at another store where they could tranquilize him), we moved to a private groomer (who was good but kept increasing the fee because of the work brushing, clipping and drying him, the latter which took over an hour alone).

Finally on to the mobile groomer. OK. So far two appointments. He has advised me:

'Do it more frequently than 9 weeks to make it easier on the dog.'

Cost is currently $55/pop.

I don't even get my OWN hair done that often.

I am punting this to my husband who connected with this pup in the first place. Yes, I have grown to love Sugar, but am not willing to write so many checks.

Makin' a list, checkin' it twice.

If only I had time to scour the thrifts for the following:

1. White turtleneck for mom
2. Zip up or pullover sweatshirt for mom
3. Sweater, button up for kid
4. White stretch or capri pant for kid
5. Lazy susan to make into jewelry rack
6. Dress Pants
7. Couple of nice tops for work

These are just the top priorities. It would be fun to find also:

a. books for kids homework
b. floor rack for hanging purses at shows
c. mug rack for bracelet display

It will happen over some weeks I hope.
In the meantime, here's a new item I'm testing out in the market.

GLOP ART - POP ART WOOD PIN



Big Fun, Little Price
Three to Four inches of color to wear on your shirt or carry on your bag.
Many other colors, all artful, accented, and glazed with sparkle, just ask.

My craft club has a monthly design competition and the topic for September is 'Fall Traditions'.

I made this item to enter. What words would best fit a pumpkin I mused as stitching came near the end. What do you think when you find that perfect candidate for the jack o' lantern?

"Picked" was a good fit, and the rest fell into place. Universal for gift giving as well.

Cross Stitched Greeting Card

Sent by courtesy of my brother the psychologist. Have a good chuckle.

The following list of phrases and their definitions might help us better understand the language used in reporting results from clinical and pre-clinical research.


"It has long been known"... I didn't look up the original reference.

"Three of the samples were chosen for detailed study"... The other results didn't make any sense.

"Typical results are shown"... This is the prettiest graph.

"In my experience"... once

"In case after case"... twice

"In a series of cases"... three times

"It is believed that"... I think.

"It is generally believed that"... A couple of others think so, too.

"Correct within an order of magnitude"... Wrong.

"According to statistical analysis"... Rumour has it.

"A statistically oriented projection of the significance of these findings"... A wild guess

"It is clear that much additional work will be required before a complete understanding of this phenomenon occurs"... I don't understand it.

"After additional study by my colleagues"... They don't understand it either.

"Thanks are due to Joe Blotz for assistance with the experiment and to Cindy Adams for valuable discussions"... Mr. Blotz did the work and Ms. Adams explained to me what it meant.

"It is hoped that this study will stimulate further investigation in this field"... I quit.
[And I always thought this meant, "We'll be seeking additional funding soon.]

My husband's birthday is next week. He was raised within 1/2 hour of Disneyland and a birthday trip is ingrained in his conciousness. Every year he wants to take the kids to Disneyland for THEIR birthday. But they don't really care.

It would be a nice gift to give, a fun and simple throwback to childhood times, except:

1. There are NO specials or discounts for single day tickets and haven't been since Aug. except Mickey Trick or Treat dates in Oct on weekdays (selected).

After racking my brain over our family calendar I cannot find a suitable timeslot to go except 1 open Sat to comfortably travel to and fro and spend a day. Weekends are horrorible there.

2. I have to buy 4 tickets. At $70 ea.

3. He is always busier than usual in the fall due to teaching at night at the community college.

4. Instead of spending $200 on tix, he really would rather have a work bench for the new weekend property garage.

So what to do.

Over the weeks I have paid attention to things he needs/wants and will probably shop with the kids for some of the below:

a. Cutting Board for the weekend house kitchen (using a BedBathBeyond coupon).

b. Pizza cutter same as above.

c. One new big fish for his 30-gal aquarium since one of the oldsters died over the summer (a big one with whiskers!). Some aquarium plants too.

d. WEATHER instruments for his new weekend house. Good ones are hard to find and he is way beyond the simple rain gage. A full blown weather station is out of the question though, runs over $100. Time may not be on my side because it most likely would need to be ordered on the web.

e. Pro darts for the yard sale dart board in the weekend house. It came with only one set of darts, but he and the kids have been playing lots already. Need at least one more set of 3. There is a billards/game shop in town that would probably have good ones.

f. Maybe a semi high tech UV protection shirt for all that outdoor work at the ranch. Patagonia has an outlet in town, little known, that sells their year old surplus items and more. Super special deal and quality.

BAKE his favorite chocolate cupcakes with no icing, and make big ice cream sundaes.

What's heavy, sweet, crunchy, tasteful, and elegant for $30?

This is the gift basket I made for the band who have been the hardest workers every Saturday at an art & craft market I have been selling as a vendor.





Contents (if I remember it all):

2 - bottle wine
3 - quarter lb choc bars
1 - box crackers
1 - bag cookies
1 - hard salami
1 - cheese spread
1 - cheese slicer
1 - small cheese tray/cloth napkin
1 - bottle nuts
4 - wine glasses

It was a little more than I wanted to spend (would've been perfect at under $20), but I am very happy with the results.

PLEASE, can I keep it???

We have built a weekend house over the past year or two and it is mostly a shell, albeit a nice shell.



It still needs flooring (we are installing ourselves). Electricity, major appliances are done.

Now for the slow, interior design phase.

Most of the tiny, but can't live without stuff is done, ie a couple hand towel racks, bathroom cups, etc.

Much of the surplus from our full-time home is going to move, ie casserole baking dishes, noodle strainers, etc.

We are at a point where we can prioritize what big ticket items to save for:

1. Dining room table/chairs. I would like to shop the thrift and used furniture stores first for these. Hubby on the fence.

2. Dining room chandelier fixture. We both want a new item in the 'Rustic Semi-Formal' category.

3. Kids bunk beds. Twin beds will not probably fit in their room and I will also go to Craigslist first. Hubby will likely agree. If nothing available, we will go to 'Going Out of Business' furniture stores next.

4. Parent's bed. We have the mattress/box spring and are perfectly comfortable with that for months and months. Hubby really wants a nice well made bed, probably with some shelving and end table.

5. Living Room Furniture. Sofa? Arm Chairs? We are too far away from deciding. Except we both don't want big heavy furniture. A nice area rug will be the start, with maybe a small loveseat.

At the farmer's market weekend craft fairs I vended throughout this summer, a local singer/songwriter/musician duo performed tirelessly to attract shoppers. I enjoyed the music greatly at least a dozen times. And yes, it helped with foot traffic.

The craft fair end of the market was organized by a non-profit environmental association which paid the musicians modestly. Everyone involved with this summer long event made donations in - time, sales percent, kid's activities, and the like.

I want to show special appreciation to the musicians and am planning a (huge) wine and treat basket. The cost won't be huge because:

* I already have the basket with ample crinkled cushion paper
* Bought 4 wine glasses at the 99c store
* Plan to get a couple big 1 lb choc bars which the grocery store has frequently for $1

Now for the expenses, I'd like one white, and one red wine. Shall I go to Trader Joes and pick out something in the under $10 range each?

The remainder may be little cracker and cheese snacks, unless you want to post additional inexpensive ideas.

Thanks!

OK, that is a pretty vulgar title.

But I am very proud and excited to be part of a formal, independently curated art exhibit for the very first time.

WHAT: FRAGILE SANDS reveres Hobo Jungle (also known as Seaside Park, the County Fairgrounds location)

http://www.fragilesands.com/events.html
WHERE: Bell Arts Factory
WHEN: Sept 5 - Oct 20

More details http://www.bellartsfactory.com/specialevents_fragilesands.ht...

Oh yes, and my book? It is a story of the Santa Clara River, inhabitant animals, native (and not so native) plants and what the future holds. Large ~ Tactile ~ and meant to be touched and read. Also available on-line http://www.fragilesands.com/shellie.php

Wish you could come to the reception and sip wine with me.

I have a pretty old, practically 1st generation hand-me-down (from DH) digital camera. It fits like an old pair of jeans, we know each other's quirks, and it takes a lickin' but keeps on tickin' (anyone remember what commercial that is from besides me?).

Here's what we did together Sunday. These are all made with guitar string used by my BIL, a professional musician. Strong and won't kink without a fight.

Recycled Guitar String Bangle Bracelets-Teal and Plum, Set of 3


Recycled Guitar String Bangle Bracelet-Amethyst and Pearl


Recycled Guitar String Bangle Bracelets-Casual Friday, Set of 2


Recycled Guitar String Men's Bracelet/Ladies Anklet-Natural


Recycled Guitar String Men's Bracelet-Agate and Onyx Green and Black

A new'ish site allows you to make graphic (or text) ads and place them on blogs and websites all over the place. It's been around long enough to be established, and the crafters worls is very involved in it.

http://www.projectwonderful.com

What: You register for free, make up an ad, there are 6 or 7 sizes from the 'button' to 'skyscraper' ranges. Use a great photo, catchy phrase or whatever.

Why: The major objective is to allow others to receive income from ads on their site, from anywhere like 1 penny to a dollar or so a day. (Really busy sites can charge the higher rates, but even little guys can charge the lower rates). But the additional reason is for those of us with webshops to place ads. You specify the cost you are willing to pay (for me that is $0 right now). You then place a 'bid' and await approval from the site owner. There are many sites with free slots that no one else is bidding against you.

Who: Anyone can make an ad and bid on a site. If you are able to work this blog, you can make an ad. It's very easy. And the site contains a search function to find folks who will place your ad (for free, or you specify the price you are willing).

When: The free ads are good for 2 days. OK, it's not long but I am already on two sites and loving it! (An Etsy blog, and a vegetarian site).

Don't hesitate to message me if you need help.