The Frugal Artisan

Do you think it's smarter to shop around early for end-of-the-year gifts or wait until the retailers make big discount offers in the last few days of the season?

The advantage of the former may be in more informed and stress-free purchases, especially in electronics or technical goods. It's a great time now to get out and see what's being offered on craig's list and local ads for second hand cameras, game systems, sports equipment, and small furniture.

But in the last couple years last minute blow outs have been given for computers and even clothing to boost sales in these lean economic times.

BUT WAIT!! BEFORE you answer, try to make the choice...

Can you shop early (or wait till the last minute) and still support independents? Let me count the ways.

1. Get to the pop up boutiques nearby. The starting gun has just gone off. Throughout Nov and Dec are likely a host of shows in churches, non-profits and homes around you. These are not just your knitted booties anymore!! You will be delighted with the variety of thing and the MODEST PRICES. Trust me.

2. Use online independent gift sites.A great site like Etsy will stretch your budget and open your imagination. Type in search words at the top bar, or use the category topics on the left side. Even the 'Buy Local' category will point you to things made nearby. Sort the results by price!! There are thousands and THOUSANDS of sellers hungering to make sales and the prices show it!!

Here's a few of my rock bottom deals on Etsy, all handmade originals made by me. Thanks for looking!


Dolphin Charm Earrings - Buy 3 Get 1 Free ($5.99 ea)
buy here


Sterling Silver Rosette and Moonstone Earrings $8
buy here


Peacock Sweep Feather Barrette $8.50
buy here

Does the candy fairy visit you? She comes late after trick or treating when the kids are in bed. She 'buys' treats the kids are willing to part with and left in a big bowl out on the table. More candy? More money or 'gift'. A painless way of reducing the consumption of sweets. I love the candy fairy!

The sales fairy is coming to visit this weekend! I hope anyway. It's the first and best boutique of the year for

Pretty Cheap Jewelry. The early birds snatch up really inexpensive and creative gifts to fill their lists the season. Some of the new things on my table?

FEATHER BARRETTES


Feathers are the hot accessory this year, but I put both humane and frugal spins on the style. All the feathers in my work are NATURALLY SHED. From wild backyard species to country birds and more, I pick up loose feathers in the environment. Look around yourself, there are more than you'd think.

Instead of a single use hair accent, these are barrettes that last a much longer time. And my prices can't be beat.

Shown above: 3 Blue Jay Copper Ribbon available here

More feather barrettes available here


BEADED GLOVES
They look vintage but these handbeaded sequin gloves are brand new. I start with plain lightweight knits and embellish like crazy. Some gloves are fancy enough for New Year's Eve, some are for happy kids at the ice skate rink.

Perfect for driving or just walking the dog, many many styles (ask me for more pictures!). A very beautiful gift for the 'don't-know-what-to-give' person without denting your budget.


Shown: Sequin Flower and Pearl Charcoal Gloves available here

More gloves available here

CLASSIC RINGS
I've perfected a simple ring style that fits every girl's dream and every boy's budget.

Three sparkling crystals line an adjustable band of pure copper. The cost? Practically nothing.



Shown: Moss green with extra metallic shine, custom fit band, $8 available here

Other colors to choose from: tangerine, steel blue, and more (ask below).

Thanks for reading!
Blog readers can get a special discount on any purchase at Pretty Cheap Jewelry just ask me below.

'Feeling conflicted...are we holding up the economy or just fortunate?' I asked on my FB page before our family went to Yosemite Nat Park last week for fall break. The day before we left, my teen had remarked his first best friend was going to Hawaii and second was going to Disney World. Without missing a beat, I smiled and looked him in the eye and didn't have to say, 'You are living a good life and don't forget it.' He smiled back and knew exactly what wasn't spoken.


Fall colors in Curry Village

Near the end of the week I had a routine but serious cancer screen test (all's well) and was reasonably surprised at how bustling the medical office was.

The restaurants are busy, the Halloween costume stores queued. I am a fairly informed person and obtain news from a variety of sources.

So I'm having trouble getting a grasp on the overall economic climate. Maybe it's more useful to grasp the local economic climate. In which case, it seems to be okay by me.


Tiny Fern Springs

Some thoughtful replies to my post?
"About half of all familes were reletively unscathed by this recession. And many people would rather live on credit rather than cut back on spending."

"Don't think too hard. I suspect you are seeing everything as it is."

"I think it's good fortune and good planning. You are both [myself and my husband] working in fields that weren't hit as hard by the recession as other fields, and I know you have always worked very hard to live within your means. I agree that you should enjoy your vacation."

My empirical conclusion, without a load of proper data, is that the better off folks are doing okay, and the borderline folks are doing worse.


Mirror Lake Reflection

Let me leave on an upbeat (but perhaps still confusing) note!! I received a special order for a large set of invitations of these recently...

Ransom Party Invitations


Handmade from individually torn newspaper letters, see more info

here.
outside: Come to my party
inside: or else

These cards have been on my website for a few years but this order will have made it all worthwhile. Patience is a virtue!

Thank You for spending a little time with Pretty Cheap Jewelry!

Found on my brother's FB page (where he found from someone else).

Last is not least, trust me...

1. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

3. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

4. There is great need for a sarcasm font.

5. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?

6. Was learning cursive really necessary?

7. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

8. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

9. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the
rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection...again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I
did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and
sisters!

21. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever..

22. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

23. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time.

24. People who forward e- mail without deleting the tons of previous recipients should be shot and then tarred and feathered.

25. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men
to realize that their brain is also important. Ladies quit Laughing!

OK, if you made it to the end, PUSH THE TWEET or FB LIKE button and give someone a little laugh today. Thx.

Have you ever done any jewelry crafting? There are lots of us out there so this isn't as random question as it might seem. The materials are easily obtainable at Michaels or any of the proliferating bead shops in every town. Remember the home jewelry show businesses? There were not just the 'buy me' shows, but also the 'make me' shows.

If you still have the tools and supplies, refresh your skills and make this easy, timeless ring.



I have written the instructions and posted for free on a fun, jewelry crafting website.

Free Ring Making Instructions

Wow! 45 takers the first day (and counting).

There are lots of other free instructions on that site, click around and see. Instructions for more advanced designs have prices, but most of us aren't in that level anyway.

Feel free to tweet and spread the word.

Catching up on my education? It's been a number of years since high school (ok, a big number!). And although I read for pleasure moderately in my 20s BC (before children) that particular pastime took a really long break until the past few years. Who has time to read with kids under 5 years old?! Wasn't me.

Now with a little time on my hands during a 45 minute bus commute each way for work, I keep my iPhone busy promoting my handmade jewelry. Such as letting folks know of a free offer on this 14K gold filled amethyst ring (see below for more info).


Original design in 14K gold filled wire, amethyst and zircon 3/4 ring

But a few weeks ago I peeked into the iBooks symbol. Firstly, I had picked up a little card at a Starbux for a free book download. OK, I like free and never tried it before. It turns out it was somewhat of a tease, only the first 100 pages of about 300 of a particular book were given free. But that hurdle was easily jumped because my local (fairly well off) library had the new book for lending (it was 'The Night Circus' by the way, really good fun!).

Not 2 days later I returned to the iBooks place and curiousity took me into the 'FREE' section after another moment. There were some interesting titles, old stuff like Mark Twain and Marx and Asimov and Louisa May Alcott of course. But I just wanted something for a bus ride, not too heavy or ponderous.

For whatever reason, I downloaded Oscar Wilde. Haven't read anything of his and didn't know much of anything about him. 'Picture of Dorian Gray' was the only one offered of his. So I started it. And guess what? It's pretty engaging, the guy waxes philosophical every other page!! HAHAHA! After a few chapters I looked up a summary in Wikipedia. What a hoot, a veritable 1800s soap opera. Anyone else read this?

Of course I was inspired to look up 'refined' 'aristocrat' 'gentleman' 'britain' and the like in etsy for a treasury. Here is what I found...


See each thing closer

HERE

And if you made it this far click here for details to get the ring.

Thanks for reading!
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Around this time of year I start seeing blog posts here (and elsewhere) asking for opinions on what gifts are suitable for this situation or how best to fulfill holiday giving without spending a fortune.

It isn't hard to give great gifts while at the same time saving your sanity with some ingenuity.

Have you been to any of the craft boutiques lately? They are not just full of little old ladies knitting booties, trust me. The do it yourself movement exploded a few years ago, and is still going strong. The secret is that the work of crafters can FAR outshine things you find in the commercial stores. Ideas and wares that will delight and amaze you. TRY IT!

Just one of my own designs coming to a holiday boutique (similar items already available at http://www.prettycheapjewelry.com )

DRESS GLOVES WITH FANCY TRIM AND GLASS BUTTONS

Lightweight sapphire blue knit gloves are ready for the party circuit (or sleighride!). Luxurious black feather trim around the wrists and glass buttons on the back show classic taste for all occasions. One size fits all (adult).

Other tips I have passed along just today?

Tip No. 2
Help them get active with outdoor and fitness gear. I love the 'used' sports store near me (Play It Again Sam). They have loads of ideas for my teen boy, a hard to please group. Free weights (even little ones great for the active women), skateboard gear (at WAY less prices than new), ski wear, and on and on.

Tip No. 3
Now is the time to peruse Craig's list for good electronics that fill your needs perfectly. For example, I don't need the brand newest digital camera, last year's model is fine for my kids. Ditto game systems, and most things electronic. Here's where I read very objective and thorough reviews of electronics I am considering (before and during the process)
http://www.cnet.com

More tips in coming weeks, come back and see!

After reading 'Why the Greeks Matter' (a book examining the ancient lifestyles especially in philosophy, art, science) I was inspired to play around finding these inside Etsy...

Amulets? Talisman? Enough said in this economy.



Get more detail on each item

HERE

But seriously, I learned alot from that book about our modern society .

...Socrates was tried and convicted in a public (ancient Greek) court for 'corrupting the young' (basically questioning authority). And put to death by hemlock!!

...Plato taught in an olive grove called an 'Academia' because olive groves were a place sacred to the Greek hero Academos. That's why we call our big buildings for learning an 'academy' and 'academic'.

...Aristotle, a student of Plato, was the greatest categorizer who ever lived and it was he who gave us the academic categories we still use today. From his filing cabinet for the Western world: -ologies, ses, -ics, such as biology (he invented outright), meteorology, metaphysics, politics, etc etc etc.

Aristotle taught Alexander the Great and then there came the emergence of Romans out of Greeks. Society moved toward Christianity starting with Emperor Constantine (the first Roman emperor to become Christian).

Fascinating, I love this stuff. Maybe some of you already have an education in the classic societies, but it is a hard subject to grasp!! There were real somewhat regular people (tribes), specific ways of life dispersed in parts of the world. It is a matter of getting an overview of how it fit together and a sense of how much time lapsed in the societal developments.

It started with reading Walking the Bible (about what is historically proven in the Bible), and I am also reading other books about how did monotheism emerge. These books are a mixture of fact and opinion, conjecture and study, and I LOVE IT!!

It can take a lifetime to make get a small limited understanding, and some folks referenced in these books have done just that. But never too late to start, right?

Faced with a bag of frozen cranberries from 2010 (on sale for about a dollar after the holidays) and a stream of ripening backyard garden zucchini, I got busy making breads and muffins yesterday. Great for time saving breakfast and lunchboxes, sweet but a sure way to add vegetables and fruits to my kid's diet.

Yield? 12 zucchini / walnut muffins and 24 mini cranberry orange muffins. All in the freezer for passing out over the next couple weeks.

And am I the only one who 'cashes' in on the grocery store mark down rack? I scrutinize the day old breads and discontinued product areas almost every time I visit. Think these are a bargain?

4 Blueberry turnovers $1.50
Med canister of quick oats $0.79

Here's a SMART idea from our local food bank. FoodShare (our organization) is having a FRUITSHARE on Saturday. They will take donations of excess backyard produce. I am bringing a BIG zucchini.

Here's a little fun, first time I will try to embed an Etsy treasury into my blog. A treasury is a collection of 16 handmade items on Etsy to showcase and promote. Any person on Etsy can make one and they are very popular and can be really beautiful. There is usually a theme such as color, type of item, etc. This one is obvious!!



Get onto this webpage live (and click on the individual items)

here...

All things feathers are hugely popular perhaps due to the hat craze at the Royal Wedding this past spring. But instead of crimping them into your hair (which are not removable), or only getting an occasional wear of a hat, how about making a more versatile and economical feather barrette?

Here's how, an illustrated step-by-step lesson, easy enough for beginners. Costs very little, and pays off big!

SUPPLIES
feathers
plain metal clip barrette
felt or fabric to cover barrette
ribbon for a bow
hot glue gun
bead or rhinestone (optional)



Top left: I prefer to use naturally shed feathers found in my yard and the environs. These are much more humane and make the work more interesting and personal. Look around for your own, you'll be surprised how fast and often you'll find them!!

(Feathers are also available at Michaels, but how and where they are obtained are unknown. Most are also probably dyed. Before you buy, think about the effects of your purchase to the environment.)

Center Right: Plain metal barrettes are available at Michaels, a pack of 15 or so for a few dollars, and don't forget to use a coupon to knock the price almost in half. Alternatively, plain barrettes with a cover over the metal are also usually available at the dollar store in packs of two or three.

Step 1: Cover the bare metal barrette by hot gluing on a bit of felt or fabric.


Step 2: Think ahead of the feather arrangement on your barrette and perhaps set them unglued in a practice arrangement. In this example, I placed feathers from large to small (right to left) with a small slant and overlap. Try a fan or bar arrangement (see additional examples at the bottom of this lesson).

Dab some hot glue on the reverse side of the feather.


Step 3: Adhere the first feather to the felt on the barrette.


Step 4: Dab glue on the second feather and adhere to the felt on the barrette (slight slant and overlap in this example).


Step 5: Repeat with additional feathers until barrette back is full.


Step 6: Tie a bow with a piece of ribbon, hot glue the bow at the end of the feather row, covering the bare end of the last feather.

NOTE: Use any other decoration at the end of the feather row, such as an interesting (flat) button, artifical small flower, puff ball, etc. Check your craft supplies on hand.



Step 7: (Optional) Finish with a sparkle. I am holding a pink rhinestone with tweezers and will hot glue it to the center of the bow.



VOILA! You are done! Wear and gift with pride.

Other variations:

FEATHER FAN



FEATHER BAR

Into week 2 of family housekeeping dynamics (see my previous blog post). Things are turning around, slowly but steadily. My oldest (the one entering teenage wasteland) has not-too-grudgingly re-entered the chore work force after living 10+ days iPod Touch free. He has asked NOT for his iPod back, but wishes to return to earning allowance! SURE, ok! Games are not us. At least so far.

My younger, predisposed with a better attitude to start, has performed chores relatively well given her innate professional dawdling nature. Her motivation has been to keep up with responsibilities so she can go to DANCE CLASS at the end of the week. She loves that class, let me tell ya. Her strategy, however, is to NEGOTIATE the chores away. Pffft.

A few other thoughts while I'm here:
~ Being an older parent has its benefits; It takes longer for me to care if their laundry isn't done. I just don't do it. I'll change their sheets once a week, but that's enough.

~ Being an older parent has its drawbacks; less energy to dicker (or maybe this is a benefit in disguise) but also less patient with the kid's even mild rebellious issues.

FINALLY let me introduce a few fall accessories from

Pretty Cheap Jewelry. You knew I was not just jewelry...

Peace and Love Gloves
At last, victory can be yours. I have embellished lightweight knit gloves with my original design. Around the wrists are sewn 3 antique-style sequined hearts, with tiny pearl detail. On the back of the hands are sewn sprinkles of small faux white pearls and rainbow coated glass crystals. Looks vintage but are completely new. These gloves are equally at home at a wedding or in at a high school classroom. Color: Dark dark Blue Size: Adult (stretch fits small to large). For sale online with more pictures and info here.


Chocolate Brown and Gold Star Winners
Everyone's a winner who wears this pair of sparkling fun gloves. I have embellished the lightweight knit with my original design. On the back of the hands are sewn 3 sequin stars. The wrists are dotted with lots of sewn tiny gold glass beads. Great for on the way to school. An all around winner gift which is easy on your budget! Color: brown Size: Adult (stretch fits small to large). For sale online with more pictures and info here.


Dress Up Antique Sequin Flower and Pearl Gloves
These gloves may look vintage, but were made yesterday! I have embellished the lightweight knit with my original design. Around the wrists are sewn 2 large antique-style sequined flowers, with tiny pearl detail. On the back of the hands is a random sprinkle of small sewn faux white pearls. Fancy enough for a wedding, equally at home in a high school classroom.
Color: Dark Grey Size: Adult (stretch fits small to large). For sale online with more pictures and info here.


Thanks for your time, and see you on Twitter and Facebook!

I must be crazy in this weak economy to even think about hiring a housekeeper. It never fails to make me feel: like throwing money away on things I could (should) do myself, or perpetuate the cycle of inferior employment of women.

The problem:

1. Longer work hours.
I have increased my work day now that both kids are in middle school. The good news is that I can commute by bus (about an hour each way) saving on fuel, and greatly extending the life of my car. The bad news is I get home later, about 5pm, leaving little to no time for errands and chores.

2. Middle school kids.
Both kids had gotten used to doing chores in grade school. Each year they added a chore and earned an allowance which also went up comparably. My oldest usually was motivated by the money, but this year he is entering the sullen teen years and is more difficult to work with. My youngest was not motivated by money but did still did chores when she was in a good mood! (No chores, no money of course). She is not good with time management and now her homework load is greater which is leaving her with scant time to do the chores.

The options:

Do it myself. Whoa. I've told all family members that if I end up having to do most of the chores I am going to be one very grouchy mom. Home life is not going to be pretty. And YES I have reduced what I expect, even of myself. The bathrooms still need to be cleaned (once a week or TWO if necessary), the laundry done, the dishes/dishwasher emptied, the floors swept (OCCASIONALLY!), the trash taken out, their beds made (DAILY), etc.

Get kids to do the chores. So, if the allowance doesn't motivate the kids, what will. Keeping them away from activities such as sports and friend dates? Taking away electronics? Maybe. Not such a positive way to go. (By the way, husband does chip in, but he also is quite loaded at work).

The Housekeeper. I asked a couple other friends with kids in the same situation and guess what. They have a housekeeper. Once a week, or once every 2 weeks.

Am I going to kill myself over really wanting to try to get through the next 4 years (when my oldest will be out of high school) without a housekeeper.



Breathe...in...out...breathe

At least this ring has been featured online the past couple days!

Blush Gold Pearl and 14K Wire



Lustrous white, palest peach and soft gold freshwater pearl captured in 14K gold filled wire. Size 6 1/2 (not adjustable)

Thanks for reading and find me on FB and twitter if you want!

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After writing a short answer of their own in class, my 6th grader's class was assigned to ask parents:
1. What was the best about your adolescence?
2. What was the worst about your adolescence?

As always, I try to make situations like these into teaching moments. Sometimes I try too hard and it backfires (for example, the kid stubbornly reject whatever I'm trying to convey). But this time I thought how to answer without coming across heavy handed.

What were yours? The past few weeks my youngest started middle school with all its academic challenges, change in social dynamics, not to mention personal growth of herself.

I also read 'Queen Bees and Wannabees' on the recommendation of our very well rounded Girl Scout leader. Horrors! The book plainly and completely lays out teen psychology whether or not you are ready for it. Y'know topics like makeup/clothes/tattoos and boys/date/parties and gossip/texting etc etc etc. Perhaps it is a bit extreme, but it's all true to a degree.

My kid has an awareness of these issues, some have already come up lightly, others are on the horizon. And of course, it brings back loads of WHERE WAS I AT THIS AGE?!

Ugh, bleh, So how did I answer the homework questions?

1. My overall best recollection of middle school is that I belonged to a very large happy group of friends. There must have been 20 ~ 25 of us. Several have become lifelong friends to this day, and I know others who remained in the original area are life long friends still as well (I am not in the area and probably moved away for some of the very reasons discussed in the book!!).

2. The worst thing I remember is that my family of 4 kids and 2 parents just didn't have lots of money. Certainly we had a pretty solid middle class life; we had a separate phone line for the kids for example. But there was none of the after school sports and hobby indulgences, ie figure skating, horseback riding, football teams that are part of my own kid's life. I don't feel deprived, but definitely had a sense that money was tight.

Thanks for reading, it's been a while since posting. In fact, I didn't write anything all summer and used the time off work to renovate the home (on a dime of course!), get outside and get the kids active, and make jewelry and accessories for my small biz.

Here's a (lousy) picture of 3 very original rings now on sale in a little shop. What do you think is the 'circle' part of each ring? That is the piece I started with and which inspired the design. (Hint: the title contains a clue)

One More Time Rings


Nicely asymmetrically balanced mix of pearls and crystals fit inside perfect circles in these one-of-a-kind rings. Three colors only: White/Navy on a sterling silver shank, Red/peach on a copper shank, Gold/champagne on a goldtone shank.

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It always seems obvious in hindsight, but start ups are hard to dream up. At least for me. I always slap my forehead and say a silent 'WHY DIDN'T I THINK OF THAT'.

Example #1: A few blocks from me, and in the midst of thousands of residential homes, a smart lady organized a local 'Farmer's Market' on the lawn of a relatively underutilized Moose Lodge. There are 2 other Farmer's Markets in my town, farther away though fairly convenient. But this one is REALLY convenient. What a good fit, for the Moose people, for the families, and for the sellers.

I visited on its 4th or 5th week, and the selection is decent and worth regular return visits. The vendors are veteran farmer market types, so I have a feeling of confidence in buying.

It turns out the lady who started the program had experience running another market but needed a fresh space to start new.

And guess what? They have craft tables. Hmmmm. Should I? I took an application, there is a short waiting list but the fee is a reasonable $20/week. I'll see how the attendance goes and maybe plan a trial period. Every thursday. Not sure if that is going to work depending on school, regular job and the few kid's sports we do.

Besides jewelry, I think these type of cards would fit into the market theme ~









All the above are big greeting cards, made with plants harvested from my yard, pressed and arranged individually with a handcut container.

Example #2: A new collective mall is opening in our weekend property town. A store with booths a la 'antique/collectible' set up. GREAT IDEA and a good fit for small crafters like me. Again the spaces are reasonable in price, and it remains to be seen the amount of sales and promotions and number of shoppers. I have not visited yet, but looking forward to it.

Thanks for reading and see you on twitter / FB

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Try as we might, a half dozen sunflower seeds that sprouted (and even grew 6 inches more) got eaten by snails earlier this summer. Poo.

Funny that one little sprout in the side yard also came up. One that I probably threw in the ground much earlier this year. And never ever watered.

But it was if someone slipped a magic bean in that packet. Week after week it thrived until I had to actually tie it to the house so it didn't fall over!

This sunflower is the type that even has lots and lots of heads from one single stalk. In the early blooming stages:



I am going to let the very top one or two blooms go to seed and try to save some to plant next summer. Here's what is on the table harvested today:



From little things....come big things.

Another harvest at Pretty Cheap Jewelry are garden pressed, dried plants. It's been weeks, nay, months in the press and I had forgotten what I put in!

Here they are! Ruby and coral geranium, tiny daisy, grape leaves in a small 2 x 3 inch setting with a big message.

Fancy floral card to come, stay tuned! Let me know if you tweet, or FB (mine in the left sidebar). THX!

No one ever accused me of being a slave to fashion, hmph. It's been classic simple stuff for work (dress pants and plain T-necks or oxford shirts) and sweats at home for years. Nope, not much priority on hair cuts or color and nails, are you kidding?!

So when it comes to eyeglasses, it's all about practical. I've had to wear them since grade school and need a really small lens (kid's size) because they are really thick. Not much fashion choice there.

A few years ago when we had our camper I discovered those 'over-the-glasses' sunglasses. We were at a Camping World store for some necessary item, and there was a rack of nicely styled shades. I never use prescription shades because of the hassle taking them on and off and storing them, and because my regular glasses are just such an instinctive part of me (they are ALWAYS on).

But for years I could have really benefited from sunglasses. Just ask the major crinkles on my face from squinting in the California sun.

Anyway, these were not the bland kind from the drugstore that really old folks wear after a doctor appointment. They were kinda shapely and looked a little better. So I snatched a pair and wore them constantly for the next 3 years.

Wore them out in fact.

So when I saw a sunglass kiosk going out of biz yesterday and noticed they had some NEW NICER over-the-glasses sunglasses I jumped at the chance. The sign said everything $5 and $10 but it was easy to ask for any pair for $5. WOOT! Designer stuff, though you know how I feel about that, right?

In fact, I dolled up my $5 brunette beauties with just the perfect copper swarovski crystals last night. (so sweet to already have the crystals on hand left over from a jewelry project, no extra cost).



Finally, I stitched up a scrap of black felt as a case. And now you can call me The Frugal Fashionable Artisan, ok?

tweets welcome, FB friendly (see left sidebar)

No, the two title subjects are not mutually exclusive! All day Saturday I am volunteering in the local art association gallery during the annual Pirate Festival. This event draws thousands of visitors and we are super busy!

One of our attractions is a kid's crafts table in the store. We'll make eye patches for example.

Donating generously with volunteer hours brings favor ~ I am welcome to set up a display of my own wares in the store as well. I'll have a treasure chest filled with my original jewelry and perhaps a few gold dubloons!

Want to see a couple new things debuting for sale?

Here's to hoping for a modest day of profit! Have a good weekend yourself. (Tweets and FB links for those who want in the left side bar...)

Halfway through summer vacation status report! In absence of the day job (for the most part, but not 100% completely), I concentrate on big cost free activities:

House Work - Spring cleaning is really summer cleaning at The Frugal Artisan. I prefer to take care of things I already own, not buy new stuff. This year it was a vacuum of the valences and doorway drapes, degrease the microwave and spot clean the hardwood floor. Last year it was ammonia-ize the crystal chandelier, stainless steel scrub the toaster oven and bleach the tile grout.

Oh boring!!!!!!!!

New Artistry Jewelry - How about something more fun and exciting? This is prime time for designing and producing new artistic jewelry.

What to do with some medium size natural stone hearts? I also wanted to use some tiny pale peach, champagne and tangerine colored cut zircon stones still left in the supply tray. Take a look...

Soft but strong, just like a woman represented by a gold and stone necklace. 17" burgundy satin ribbon w/3" extender chain.



Modern romantic gold necklace features stone heart and wine red accents. 17" burgundy satin ribbon w/3" extender chain.

Not to forget those who prefer silver ~ I was advised by the owner of the salon where I consign that silver is likely to sell more. So the big teal and black glass coins I picked up lately became this...



Lots of curves and turns in a bold design. Exotic freshwater pearl and crystal for added interest.

More coming, stay tuned! Follow me on FB to see more
(left side bar) or tweet this to your peeps if you have a gift wish!

'De Clutter or Bust'

That was my summer motto not too many years ago. It was applied primarily to the kid's rooms, especially with respect to unloved toys, wrong size clothes, and school leftovers (paper valentines anyone?). "We have to make room in case Santa brings presents later this year," I'd explain.

Declutter was closely followed by
'Vortex Vixen'
at which time I put on bleach-ruined sweatpants to attack every tangible item in the house for cleaning.

Summer was prime time because I am mostly home from the day job and have endless hours unscheduled. (WHY does that not seem to become reality???!!!)

Time passes and fortunately kids collect less 'stuff'. This year I have only a couple big jobs mostly related to my youngest, such as filtering through her keepsake box which barely closes. It's an under-the-bed bin with things from birth to present. I told myself once it's full we'd stop. PLEASE send me strength to say NO we are not simply getting a second one. (My older one's box is comfortably empty...hmph, boys).

One of the things to purge is a VERY good pair of girl's cowboy boots. Expensive! She has grown out of them. I would dearly love to recoup some of the original cost. Any tips how best to sell? I've already posted on Craig's and notified my neighbors.

Another item that is going is a (somewhat beat up but perfectly functional) curbside basketball hoop. If no one takes up my offer on Craigs at $10, it's going to Freecycle next week! (I think I got it free).

Vortex Woman is still around, I emphasize using my free time taking good care of possessions instead of getting new things. Anyone out there rub their leather couch with conditioner beside me? Last year I bleached the tile grout, this year it's vacuuming the valances. One room at a time - TOP to BOTTOM. This takes DAYS!!!!!!

Finally, my pleasure is making jewelry and accessory stock for craft fests especially later in the year. Seems I don't have nearly as much time as I wish! On the schedule is another set of these (2 of 4 sold so far):

Recycled Guitar String Bracelet



A summer breeze charmer with glass hearts, oval shell, and peach stone among many details. The strands are made from bronze spent guitar string. Handmade clasp, adjustable size.

See more

here.

Do you Tweet? there's a little button left side bar to show your followers. I'm on twitter at PrettyCheap.

Who needs a gym membership with a weekend house?! There was a Memorial Day parade in town, but we instead worked hard clearing fire brush at our second property. Our muscles cut and sawed and snipped and dragged and piled up green trimmings for hours. My husband used his little Kubota tractor to push and pack down the mountain of branches. (Wow, he is an expert at driving that thing and could fit in perfectly working at a landfill).

Though it doesn't fit perfectly in with my conscience, we used our pick up to haul some of the more distant trimmings to the mound. (I used the wheelbarrow to haul many more loads from closer areas because I resist using oil!). OK, I admit consuming a small amount of fuel on this job was a benefit in saving a large amount of time and effort.

In the evening I finished a pair of beautiful gloves destined for ice skate and winter boutiques.

Antique Flower Winter Wonderland Gloves



Wrists wrapped in sequined wedding appliques are perfect for the holiday season. Glove backs are sprinkled with tiny faux pearl and crystal beads. Handcrafted original design.

But the big news involved a storage shed project. My handy spouse now has only one project in probably the last 10 years that didn't work out. He has installed an on-demand water heater, hard wood floors, water lines, tiled bathrooms, stairway carpet runners, dog kennels, and the list goes on and on. He is not a contractor, just a happy (tool loving) guy.

The plan this weekend was to put up a pre-fab plastic kit outdoor storage shed at our rental house. The shed would serve as a panel of a fenced in back patio, but the fence would not be ready for another few weeks. (This kind of

shed )

Anyway, last time we were there, he graded a pad with rock and we installed the floor with cement footings at the corners. The shed instructions said to use the cement footings in windy areas and this is one of those places.

However, the wind was really bad as we were putting up the snap-in walls. In fact, we realized there was no way the shed would stand alone in the wind, even put together with it's internal bracing, without the future fence stabilizing the sides.

So we abandoned the project, and packed the shed parts back up.

Bleh, I really did not feel bad about the work down the drain. And was confident we could recoup alot of the shed cost by reselling on Craigs.

Well, a friend suggested we take the shed back to Lowe's. Even though it was completely unpacked out of the box, floor pieces used, etc. I was not in favor. This seems to me somewhat dishonest. It was USED goods. I do NOT wear something even for a minute and take it back to the store.

But my hubby has a bit more nerve, or at least less pride than I. He does not mind asking!!

So there he went. And there they did it! Lowe's did not have a problem taking it back and refunding 100%. They said you got it, UNCONDITIONAL SATISFACTION GUARANTEED.

Wowza. A huge relief in expenses not wasted. Thanks for reading and there's a tweet button to the left if you want to pass out the fact that Lowe's is highly recommended!

HaHa! I knew it had to be fate! Frugal lifestyle is partly genetic according to a university study by a marketing professor who conducted brain imaging to reveal that frugal people quite literally "feel" the pain of spending in a way that other people do not.

(A marketing expert? Of course! Maybe sponsored, maybe purely out of interest!)

Read the whole article

here.

The source is Miller-Mccune Magazine, a very refreshing news source that I find balanced and fact based instead of short-attention-span and dumbed-down as much of other available media exhibits. They proport to use "current academic research with real-time reporting to address pressing social concerns". You can get the issues free via email (sign ups at the bottom of the Frugal Study article).

One of my crafting principles is to reuse materials. This is a personal environmental objective, and has the happy added benefit of much lower cost in producing my products for Pretty Cheap Jewelry.

Last post I showed how to design and craft

Nifty Gifty Gloves inexpensively. Look at the middle picture in the post at the piece of red stretch sequin. That trim is a re-used part of a costume from last year (they were suspenders! for a mickey mouse costume). I couldn't bear to toss it, and voila! See the last picture how nicely it serves as the glove trim.

Not long ago I bought some 3-part house wiring to craft doll clothes hangers. This stuff is inexpensive at the hardware store. Did you know house wire has three color coded strands inside a bigger plastic housing? (guys raise your hand).

I wanted only the white and black plastic coated strands and a few feet were plenty to make a dozen hangers (6 white, 6 black).

There on the craft room floor was the lonely yellow (I think yellow) coated strand. Well I stripped off the plastic and inside was a superb length of HEAVY PURE copper wire. Ahhhh.

This wire was NOT to be wasted. Here's what I did with it:

BEAUTIFUL MUSIC COLLECTION



Hand formed shaped instruments and musical symbols coming from Pretty Cheap Jewelry this summer. Hammered copper is accented with perfectly placed beads to represent popular items.

Shown: Acoustic Guitar (tuned with red cut glass accents, small halfnotes charm attached, on 18" bronze satin cord); Large Half Notes (accented with tiny glass beads, on 18" black satin cord).

The most beautiful thing to me? Reclaiming the wire and staying true to my motto "Creating things of value at inexpensive prices."

Watch for more BEAUTIFUL MUSIC work in coming weeks (I still have some wire left!). G clef, and ? Suggestions?

THANKS for reading! (FB and tweet buttons for your convenience, bottom and left sidebar).

Think ahead! Alot of us take advantage of super duper mark downs in July on items for end of the year gifts. And many of us home make great gifts. Let me introduce an idea to jump start your imagination.

Winter Wonderland Gloves

Supplies:

1. Inexpensive plain knit gloves. These were readily available at the drug and dollar store in winter, though you can also find suitable candidates in the gardening sections. Look for decent quality and end-of-season specials.

2. Appliques and trims. I am lucky to have a wacky store nearby with all manner of close out merchandise. Lately they have a huge stock of small and large sequin appliques. There's crazy shapes like cactus and cowboy hats, but also holiday subjects like snowmen and angels.

If you don't have such a source, take a look at the fabric store. There you find trim - there are hundreds of types. You need ELASTIC trim (for around the wrists), but the wedding type trims are great because you can cut apart the shapes (such as flowers). Use a coupon or get what's on sale.

3. Buttons and beads. There are amazing and inexpensive buttons lately, like glitter filled and felted. Look in the fabric store or the thrift store (to take off beautiful old buttons from an old shirt for example).

Here's some supplies; three pair small gloves with appliques for each.



Sew:

If you can sew a button, you can make these gifts! Get thread in the same color as the glove or the trim. And simply hand sew in place. IT DOESN'T TAKE AS LONG AS YOU THINK! I can finish a pair in an hour.

In progress: Little beaded snowman for the back, stretch red sequin for the wrists.



Ideas!

Try some fabric paint at the nails! Add little glass beads on the backs for a glamourous look. Add artificial pearls for classy style. Don't worry about making the patterns perfectly identical. Use a forgiving random or zig zag pattern.

Theme your gifts! Little kids love bright colors and funny buttons. Big girls prefer black and toned down decorations. Or make a set for a wedding party, a family reunion or birthday.

Knit hats are also well stocked inexpensively at the retailers. What do you want to do with one?



If you like this idea and want to pass on the tip, use the tweet button (left sidebar).

Thanks for reading! The Frugal Artisan

Glad I didn't hesitate to once again scavenge the thrift shops for jeans. Almost thought I'd grown out of the thrift stage what with kids in pre- and teens now. They wouldn't be caught dead...

And what with my own clothes shopping nearly nil and void except for the tennis shoe hunt at Big 5 every few years, or the major stock up on bras at the Maidenform outlet. I'm just so NOT a fashion horse.

Soooooo, even though I got away with wearing to work 2 out of 3 of my jeans with a hole emerging at the knee, I decided it's time to get thee some jeans. Better not wear the holes to work anymore.

First stop Susies Deals (everything 5.99). But NOT. Their new motto 'Everything $5.99 and up' BLEH. But even so, there were 2 or 3 BIG racks of $2 jeans. And of course, OLD baggy styles. I am not interested. And odd sizes left too. Zero (?!) or gigantic. Sad.

Well, my practical spending hubby and I went on a 'date' on Friday night to the outlet mall. Or you can say, just another excuse to have a couple hours alone.

He graciously drove me right to the Levi's outlet and there were good deals, right sizes, decent stuff. And I left with 1 pair of nice $20 jeans.

(He then promptly went to the Adidas outlet and bought 18 pairs of socks. Yes. He said they would last him 4 years, which I believe. And they were a good buy at $10 per 6 pair. But sheesh.)

Then on Saturday I had some hours alone!!! Everyone was out of town except me. And I bee lined it to the thrifts.

1. Buffalo Exchange. This is not a thrift really, but a buy/sell/exchange. Again, I thought I was beyond thrift and happened to park behind here. The prices were decent ($6 - 8) and I tried but did not fit!

2. Goodwill. Our town has an upscale 'Downtown Goodwill'. It is a result of some controversy in the level of customer of the main street stores. This thrift is very nicely laid out, big clear aisles, and they put local NICE art in the windows. Cool. Lots of jeans, every one $6. I bought one pair Lands End.

3. 3 more thrifts. Maybe I am fortunate there are 3 more thrifts within easy walking in our downtown. I know them all well (one is great for sweaters, for example, another for furniture.) No jeans in the first 2. But JACKPOT in the third. Talbots size 6 petite, never even washed yet. Three pair, I took 2.

It is not easy to try stuff on in a thrift. Basically you try jeans over your (hopefully) thin leggings or wear a skirt and drop your stuff in the aisle and there ya go.

I probably tried on 15 pairs in the whole day. Total?

Levis = $20
Lands End = $6
Talbots (2)=$4
Off brand = $2
---------------
5 pair = $ 32

Yippee!

Also solved the CHRONIC cozy sweatshirt shortage in my dresser. So many mornings I just want to throw on a sweatshirt. But I have only one. Just don't buy them. Or just BORROW my son's at this point. He has um....5 or 6?

Now I have 3 more!! My favorite, something my family has probably always wanted to give me:



Understandably, (I suppose), someone didn't hardly wear it. Great quality (come on, it's Disney label). Fits me like a glove. Two others were a practically new: a Sideout sweatshirt, and a nubby blue shirt tail / tneck style pullover.

I am stoked, all three were $2 each. OK! So no more clothes shopping for me for a couple years, right?

If you've made it this far, here's a reward:
The first person who contacts me below can reserve these handmade original earrings at a pre-list price half off. (Special Reserved Price $7.50 ; Future price $15.00)



Fine link chain holds staggered fringe of mother of pearl shell coins, tiny gold and water clear drops.
Perfect in detail and design. By The Frugal Artisan.

Last winter I noticed a lot of those inexpensive, stretch gloves in the drugstores. Did you? They were meant for light duty and cost a couple dollars or less. Lots of solid colors, one size fits all basically.

There also happens to be this unusual 'junque' store near my workplace. There's no sign out front, but I asked once and the name of the store is 'Random'. The place is a big huge jumble of furniture, bolts of fabric, hardware, books, carved wood figures, and probably what ever the owner is finding at weird wholesale auction houses. I wouldn't be surprised to find a few kitchen sinks. Sometimes the prices are matchless, sometimes the prices are terrible. Most of the stuff is new.

The store is a great place to browse and grab supplies for my crafting for pennies. About a year ago there came a huge lot of sequined and beaded appliques. Some really small, like star shapes and numbers, and some really huge like parrots and horses. The little ones were 25 cents, the big ones a couple dollars.

They also have a dozen huge spools of sequin and beaded trim. The type meant for embellishing wedding dresses. Really nice swirls, florals and designs. The trim prices were fair, something like $1.50 for simple and 2.50 / foot for the fancier stuff. I love pretty stuff and kept thinking how use the trim for something.

Back to the stretch gloves! I finally figured out a great use for the appliques and trim. I grabbed some smaller appliques (about 25 to 35 cents each) and then ran to the dollar store to see if they still had the gloves. YES! I picked out 10 pair of decent quality.

And here's the results! I am excited to be designing and producing the Winter Wonderland Gloves for my vendor booth at the upcoming ice rink's 2011 Figure Skating Show.

Each year I need to offer merchandise to a crowd of young girls, gift ware for the parents, while keeping it original and at a competitive price.

See a few of the new collection below!

Winter Wonderland Gloves - You're a Star



These 3 gold star gloves fit perfectly into a figure skater's wardrobe! Warm enough for practice, fun and fancy under the lights.

Winter Wonderland Gloves - Formal Wear



Pretty enough for a sleigh ride with your beau. Antique flower on charcoal grey knit. Sprinkled with pearl and glass bead accents.

Winter Wonderland Gloves - Happy Hands for Kids



Little princesses will love the red sparkly wrists and beaded funny snowman. Mom will love the price.

Watch for the 'How - To' post coming soon here at The Frugal Artisan.

April 22 is past, but you frugal and thrifty thinkers know recycling, reusing and reducing are an everyday habit. Below is part of an entry in the PaperBackSwap Earth Day contest. I've seen others do crafting with shrinky dink plastic but haven't paid much attention though it looks fun to try. This no-cost idea is going to make testing the waters EASY!! Save this tip for a superb summer vacation boredom buster !! And pass to others if you think it's good (click the 'tweet' button left sidebar).

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Take #6 plastics and reuse them for shrinky dinks. You can find this plastic sometimes on disposable drink lids, clear disposable salad containers, strawberry containers, etc. Just cut out your shape (they will shrink quite a bit!), punch a hole in the top (optional) and bake on a foil covered cookie sheet in the oven for 2-3 minutes at 350 degrees. They will curl up and flatten back out, just like store bought shrinky dinks.
---------------------------------

Here are some examples from Etsy with shrink plastic...


Shown above

Red Red Thinking Outside the Box

Bread Slices of Life

School Charm Bracelet

I am proud to introduce the best work yet of my jewelry design skills.




Citrine and Garnet Extravagant Jeweled Necklace & Earrings Set

Inspired by the medieval story I'm reading set in the English countryside complete with earls, bishops, commoners, and knights...Influenced by colleague artist's wire and stone work...Incorporating a love of gems, gold and fine pearl supplies.

The central briolette is a ~1.5" sparkling cut citrine. To each side are ruby red cut garnet with additional tiny yellow and white clear smooth glass drops. All the briolettes are hung from different styles of fancy loops made from 14K heavy gold filled wire. The necklace ends are finished with pale gold and pure white freshwater pearl strands.

Matching earrings in wine red garnet and gold.

Supremely royal, and timely for the wedding next week in London.

On sale for a short two weeks in the Buenaventura Art Association Gallery (Sta Clara St).

Want to show your twitter peeps? Click the tweet button (upper left sidebar). Thanks for the love.

It's such a perfect spring day I had to move to the backyard to play with my toys!

What started as a short session of arranging dried flowers on a few cards extended into a jumble of colors and fun supplies. My daughter brought out some watercolors to hang out together.

I couldn't stop! But it's ok, let me explain.

Greetings for All
Do you still use cards for family occasions? gift giving? and thank you's? A non-digital greeting is still very much fun to receive and super easy for you to make in the imaginative style I'll show below.

1. Supplies
The best thing about this card making style is the supplies are very very inexpensive. You probably have everything on hand already!! (you just didn't know it).


Basics:
Scissors
Glue
Cardstock (or copy paper if not) and Envelopes
Scraps of fancy paper if any


Extra Fun:
Punches, gel pens, glitter, bits of yarn or lace
Old Cards
Magazines, Newspaper

2. Start Imagining
Now that last supply up above is my favorite. All you need is a magazine or a newspaper. Folks, I am NOT a graphic designer as it says in the title. It is a formal profession you go to college for. But I AM able to use their expertise. It's all over these magazines. Just grab your scissors and cut out those styled food layouts, those color coordinated florals and those punchy texts.

Cut out things. Fun things, weird things, interesting things. Cut out words. Separate words. Unusual words, common words.

Don't worry if you haven't a final subject in mind. It is easier to arrange things when they are out of their commercial context.

Step 3. Say It Glue It

Cut blank cards from heavy paper (or copy paper if you don't have). Use commercial envelopes or you can even make those (ask me for instructions).

Arrange the front of the card using the cut outs and other little supplies. A few common sense principles ~

~ Stick with a theme such as food, or flowers, or toys
~ Use one central large image and accent with a few smaller things
~ Work two or three different textures on the card, such as a few magazine cut outs, and a bit of ribbon and some spots of glitter.


Note in the card above is a little lily pad cut out from green embossed paper, a few frog punch outs and a strip of printed border paper on the side so far.

Step 4. TaDa! Done!

Finish up the card with (or without) a sentiment of words.


I added a magazine cut out (rectangles of windows) and a few sequins. The word 'ART' just sums it up.

Use this idea for an unscheduled summer vacation day or a craft-themed birthday party (adults too!).

Thanks for visiting and if you like this how-to, click the tweet button (upper left sidebar) to give others the info.

Yesterday I got a 'Get $10 free on any purchase' card from a local department store (Kohl's). First time ever from them, although for several years I have received similar giftcards from JC Penney's around Mother's Day, Father's Day and sometimes in the fall.

Does everyone get these or did I do something special? I assumed in the past that EVERYONE got the Penney's offer, or at least everyone who landed on their mailing list by one cause or another.

Penney's is probably big enough to absorb the cost, Kohl's is much less widespread and I'm surprised they are doing this.

The offer is great. You can make a purchase of $10.01 and even include tax and they will deduct the ten bucks. I love it and use the coupon every time for small necessities such as a bed pillow, throw rug, bath towel, or picture frame. There a lots and lots of small items suitable for gifts at $10 from Penneys.

I can think of one thing which may have put me on a high class shopper list with Kohls. A couple months ago my daughter received a $25 gift card from grandma for a birthday present. I made a couple additional limited purchases at the same time and our total was slightly over $50. Maybe that is a threshold? By the way, that total resulted in ANOTHER $10 off certificate to be redeemed within the following two weeks.

Speaking of high class shopping, feast your eyes on the latest work from The Frugal Artisan!

Have your own royal wedding any day of the week with a wealth of gemstone and pearls. Citrine centerpiece is set off by garnet and glass briolettes on hand hammered links in fancy shapes. Pale gold and pure white ivory freshwater pearls complete the strands around the sides and back. Matching earrings. 14K GF throughout.