HAF Featured Artist: trusk4u

This week's Featured HAF artist is Teresa from trusk4u at the HandmadeArtistsShop.  Although her first  crafting love was sewing, she now loves creating handmade jewelry using all kinds of materials, especially wire and recycled parts.  In fact she says it's her obsession.  She likes to learn new skills and try new techniques in her jewelry, also.  She has opened a shop in Mebane, NC called Hollyhocks, LLC which sells handmade items from local artists.   You should check out her online shop at trusk4u though for wonderful Jewelry designs like these:

Plus, her husband makes wonderful Key chains, Pens, and Shaving Kits in his workshop that she lists in her trusk4u shop on HandmadeArtistsShop.  So check it out.

And if you're looking for some unique Stained Glass, Mosaics, Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden or as gifts, plus Wire-wrapped, Beaded Jewelry, be sure to check out my shop on Etsy, KayzKreationz.

Hammered Copper Wire-Wrapped Beaded Bracelet

I love Copper.  And copper is supposed to be a healing metal.  That's why my newest listing for this Hammered, Copper Wire-wrapped Beaded Bracelet is so great.  It's made of all copper and has a natural patina on it.  It basically is an adjustable bracelet.  The little dangles really add some bling to the copper and the wire wrapping.  What do you think?  Do you like Copper?  You can find it here:  Copper Bracelet

I also make Stained Glass, Mosaic and Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home and Garden.  Be sure to check out my shop, KayzKreationz for great pieces.

Featured HAF Shop-ME! KayzKreationz

Yay! I was pleasantly surprised this morning to wake up and find out I'm the Featured Shop for the HAFteam this week.  I love my glass. I make Stained Glass like this Poinsettia Panel, which I'm offering 10% off this week while I'm featured, if you put "HAF blog" in your convo to me on Etsy in my shop, KayzKreationz

And I make Mosaics, like this Mosaic Birdhouse Birdfeeder, which makes a great gift, either for yourself or a gardening, birdfeeding friend or family member.  In fact, one of my Mosaic Birdfeeders will be featured in the December/January issue of a National Magazine.  More on that later.

I also make Fused Glass items, like these Blue Tealight Candle Holders or this Bud Lite Beer Bottle Windchime, which would make a great gift for the Beerlover in your family or a friend.

So, if you're looking for something unique for yourself, loved one or as a gift, check out all my Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass items in my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz or my Zibbet shop, KayzKreationz.  Plus, watch for my Mosaic Birdfeeder feature in a National Magazine soon.  And watch for the First Annual Virtual Craft Fair I'm participating in Nov. 26-Dec. 3.  There will even be a Giveaway!  Thanks for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave a comment.

Another HAF Featured Artist-Jewelry By Janelle

I missed the opportunity last week to post about the first HAF featured artist-Jewelry By Janelle.  So I wanted to post here about her great work and shop.  Janelle was a passionate lover of handmade.  She has passed on, but her shop is still open with some of her great work.  She was unique in her work and made wonderful, remarkable things with wood.  All of the proceeds from her shop are contributed to her estate.  Zebrawood was one of her favorite woods, so check out some of these wonderful, beautiful Wooden wonders.  Like this Zebrawood donut pendant which was handshaped, sanded and buffed to a lovely shine and finished with a pretty brown organza ribbon:

She has many more great Wood pieces in her shop: Jewelry By Janelle for your liking.
And don't forget to scroll down to the next post for the Featured Artist this week: Colettes Boutique. Some wonderful Wire-wrapped Jewelry!

Featured Artist: Colette Kimon

This week's featured artist is Colette Kimon from Colettesboutique on Etsy.  She hales from Morgantown, West Virginia and makes wonderful jewelry.  She started in 2004 while she was out of work and has kept right on.  She loves to discover and learn new techniques and likes her jewelry to reflect her personality.  She has even had her work featured in the September 2011 issue of Art Jewelry Magazine!  What an accomplishment.  She is a member of the HAF (Handmade Artists Forum) team and the Etsy Project Embrace Team.  She's also on Facebook at Colettesboutique.  Her favorite materials to use in her jewelry are Sterling Silver, Gemstones and Swarovski Crystals.  Isn't this Wisteria Sterling Silver and Amethyst bracelet gorgeous?  So be sure to check out her shop Collettesboutique on Etsy and find something you can't live without.

Interview with Etsy Seller mrhanz about his Luxury Leather Goods and Coupon

I recently found this shop on Etsy, mrhanz.  He's from Java Island makes and sells Luxury Leather Goods, wallets, belts, passport holders and more.  They're wonderful. He makes them out of exotic leathers like Python, Cobra, Buffalo and more.  So I asked him a few questions about how and why he got started.  Read on for his interview:
1. How did you get started making your items?   In the beginning, I started making watch straps for my personal use. Then friends started asking me to make other accessories (wallets, key chains, belts,etc).

2. How long have you been making them? And how long have you been selling them?  I've been making my items for a few years, but I only started selling them since last year. I've only started selling on etsy about 2 months ago.
3. Do you make these items yourself?  Yes, I make my items myself, although some of the designs were created by what my friends have requested.
4. About how long does it take you to make an item?  It depends on the designs and the availability of the materials.
5. What pushed you to make your items and sell them?  It was a personal hobby of mine, but I've never thought that other people would like to buy them. I take pride in my products, when I go out, I usually wear my own watch strap, wallets, belts, mobile phone case. That's how I get my sales from local buyers, actually. My friends see them and buy from me. When they wear my products, their friends will also be interested. So, I got a lot of repeat buyers.
6. What prompted you to use the materials you use? The calf leathers, buffalo, python skin, cobra and others?  I personally like leather products. I think they are more durable and can last longer than other materials. I use genuine materials only because I want to present my buyers with quality products. Snakeskin is one of the hottest trends this year, especially for women's products (wallets, purses, shoes).
7. How hard is it to get your materials for your items?  I purchase my materials from trusted suppliers. They have a higher price compared to other suppliers, but I can rest assured because their qualities are genuine. For me, I think it's a bit harder to find calf leather that suit my needs. As I hand-pick each leather and skin myself, I will only purchase the materials that are high qualities, something that I see I can wear myself. Which is why, I have limited products in calf leather.  For snakeskin, it's easier to find, but for some colors, I sometimes have to wait until it's available in my suppliers.
8. Where else do you sell your items?  I sell on etsy for international orders. For local orders, I sell using my facebook page. I also get regular orders from a boutique at a high end mall.  I've also been getting sales from local repeat buyers. 
Here's one of his great Passport holders from Python:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/82230088/python-leather-passport-cover-natural

Now, for my Blog readers, mrhanz is offering a 10% discount code valid until Nov. 7th.  Just use OCTMRHANZ909 for your coupon when you check out.  Be sure to check out all his other great items.  2 more are featured in the Featured Shop of the Day at the top right of my blog.

Artfire Shop Closing

Yesterday I got an e-mail from Artfire that they're shutting down all their Basic shops and owners.  If we want to continue on Artfire, we HAVE to upgrade to Pro.  Now, I've been with them since the beginning back in 2008.  I started as Basic to see what they offered different from Etsy and how it would go.  I've promoted, checked in, etc.  But NADA.  I've never gotten one sale from my Artfire shop.  I had one custom request from a seller on Etsy who was moving to Artfire and wanted to make the piece through Artfire so I would get some feedback.  But that's it.  I like having my Artfire shop as another venue.  But without having any sales from it, I can't justify paying for it each month.  At least with my Etsy shop, if I don't make a sale it doesn't cost me.  So before Artfire closes down all Basic shops August 15th, I'm offering 10% off any item in my Artfire shop, KayzKreationz.  I don't have much listed there now, since it will be closing, but I do have a few thing for your Home and Garden.  Plus a great Fused Glass Purse holder so you don't have to let your purse sit on the floor.  And for those SOBE enthusiasts, I have one last SOBE fused glass bottle candle holder/candy dish/ wall art.  They don't make glass SOBE bottles anymore, so this will be one of the last.  Thanks for looking.  If you find something you want, please contact me first so I can adjust the price for you or send you a revised invoice.  I will still have my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz so you will be able to find great Fused Glass, Stained Glass, Mosiac Glass Kreationz for your Home and Garden.  Happy Shopping.

women-prenuers galore: Poppyagea Shop Review and Giveaway

Another great giveaway. Check it out at women-prenuers galore: Poppyagea Shop Review and Giveaway She's got a wonderful review of the shop Poppyagea on Etsy. She makes wonderful hair accessories and brooches. They're to die for. You'll love it.
And if you're looking for some wonderful Stained Glass, Mosaics or Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden be sure to check out my shop KayzKreationz on Etsy.  I'm sure you'll find something you can't live without. 

SoftFlexGirl: First Friday Giveaway - Chain + Hole Punch Pliers

Check out this great giveaway. I love their items. And they have wonderful free projects on their site, too. SoftFlexGirl: First Friday Giveaway - Chain + Hole Punch Pliers: "PLR-133.60 1.25MM METAL PUNCH PLIERS RETAIL = $15.95 CH-GLDOD3 34 IN OVAL AND DROP TEXTURED GOLD PLATED COPPER CHAIN RETAIL = $24.90 CH-..."
And if you're looking for some great Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden, check out my shop, KayzKreationz on Etsy.  I'm sure you'll find something you can't live without.

My Garden Twirlers-Being Redesigned

I love these little Garden Twirlers. They are my own creation. They just dangle, twirl and dance in the wind.  I love things for the garden and in playing around with my glass, wanted to make something besides windchimes for my garden. Viola!  The problem is, they don't really show well in pictures online.  In person, they draw quite a crowd and sales at shows.  But in pictures they hang too long and just don't show up well.  So, I've decided to redesign them for my online shops, KayzKreationz at Etsy, and KayzKreationz at Artfire.  The first one to be redone will be this Beige and Purple Garden Twirler that is featured on Artfire.  It's beige and purple diamond shaped glass pieces hung from a piece of driftwood found on our small Texas Wildlife Ranch.  So if you've hearted this Garden Twirler on Artfire and want it the way it is, you'll have to make up your mind pretty quick.  I'll be redesigning it in the next day or so and it will be no more.  Also, unfortunately the price will have to go up, since I'll be adding some extra things to it.  I'm hoping to get better pricing on it, though.  This Purple Garden Twirler on Etsy will be next.  Again, if you've hearted it or been watching it, make your move now before it's redone.  I'm hoping the new design will sell better online.  I'll be posting when I get them redesigned with the new pics and the new listings.  Meanwhile, if you're dying for some Glass Kreationz for you Home or Garden be sure to check out both my shops.  KayzKreationz on Etsy and KayzKreationz on Artfire.  Enjoy.

somethinguniquebylana: Blog Love..Fav Etsy Shops & A Giveaway.......

What a great post, blog and giveaway. Check it out. Hoping I win, though. :) somethinguniquebylana: Blog Love..Fav Etsy Shops & A Giveaway.......: "Finally I Can Share The Love.......... I have been wanting to do this for quite some time now but with everything that has been going on in..."

♥**A Little of This and That**♥: Huge Vintage Giveaway ~ May 2011

I love her clay molds. Check out her giveaway.♥**A Little of This and That**♥: Huge Vintage Giveaway ~ May 2011: "~♥~ Vintage Giveaway May 2011 ~♥~ Vintage Pink Rhinestone Ring, Antique blue glass bottle, Vintage & Antique inspired findings and me..."

And if you're looking for some great Glass Kreationz for your home or garden, check out my shop, KayzKreationz.  Thanks

Blue Fused Glass Tealight Candle Holders-Treasury

My Blue Fused Glass Tealight candle holders are featured in this treasury: Shades of Blue.

In honor of this treasury I'm offering 10% off of these candle holders if you check out my Page and "Like" it, post on the treasury comment and then contact me saying you did so and I'll get you an updated invoice.  My Page: KayzKreationz.

For more great Glass Kreationz for your Home and Garden, check out my shop: KayzKreationz

Hummingbirds are here.

A few weeks ago, I posted 2 different posts with some interesting facts about hummingbirds.  I put up 2 of my feeders and have been rewarded with hummingbirds all around trying to get to the nectar, not only at my feeders, but also at all my plants that are blooming right now.  As part of our Wildlife management, we have to plant things that will attract butterflies, small songbirds, game birds, other birds, etc.  We've had some success with it. We now have turkeys hanging around all the time in the back pasture by our water trough, birds everywhere by the water trough and the birdbaths.  A multitude of other birds by the plants, grasses, water, etc.  We even have some resident buzzards that love hanging around for some reason.  Anyway, as promised, here's a couple of pictures I got of one of the hummingbirds at one of my feeders, along with a picture of one of the turkeys, and one of our buzzards.  I hope you enjoy them.  And for some great Mosaic Stained Glass feeders to feed your birds, check out my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz.  I'm also working on getting some Glass Kreationz hummingbird feeders made and listed.

Another Great Giveaway from Beaducation

Here's another great giveaway from Beaducation.  You can win all kinds of goodies like this.  So check it out.  Click on the title to take you to the giveaway page.  But you better hurry.  It ends tonight/tomorrow.

And for some great Glass Kreationz, check out my Shop, KayzKreationz on Etsy.  And stay tuned for some wonderful new things made from the classes I've taken from Beaducation.

Spring is Coming and So are the Hummingbirds-Part 2

Last week I posted some interesting facts I'd found about Hummingbirds.  But the list was quite long, so I broke it up into 2 parts.  As promised, here is Part 2 of the Hummingbird facts.  I hope you enjoy.

13.At rest, a hummingbird takes an average of 250 breaths per minute.
14.The rufous hummingbird has the longest migration of any hummingbird species with a distance of more than 3,000 miles from the bird’s nesting grounds in Alaska and Canada to its winter habitat in Mexico.
15.The ruby-throated hummingbird flies 500 miles nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico during both its spring and fall migrations.
16.Depending on the species, habitat conditions, predators and other factors, the average lifespan of a wild hummingbird is 3-12 years.
17.Hummingbirds have no sense of smell but have very keen eyesight.
18.Hummingbirds do not suck nectar through their long bills, they lick it with fringed, forked tongues.
19.A hummingbird can lick 10-15 times per second while feeding.
20.Hummingbirds digest natural sucrose in 20 minutes with 97 percent efficiency for converting the sugar into energy.
21.Many hummingbird species, including Anna’s, black-chinned, Allen’s, Costa’s, rufous, calliope and broad-tailed hummingbirds, can breed together to create hybrid species, one fact that makes identifying hummingbirds very challenging.
22.The peak fall migration period for hummingbirds is from mid-July through August or early September, depending on the route.
23.Despite their small size, hummingbirds are one of the most aggressive bird species and will regularly attack jays, crows and hawks that infringe on their territory.
24.The bill of the aptly named sword-billed hummingbird, found in the Andes Mountains, can reach up to 4 inches long.
25.Hummingbirds are native species of the New World and are not found outside of the Western Hemisphere.
Again, if it's not already listed, keep an eye out for my Fused Glass Hummingbird Feeder in my Etsy shop: KayzKreationz.  And here's another cute little Hanging Stained Glass Mosaic Birdfeeder/Birdbath that will be listed shortly in my shop.  If you love Texas or Jalapeno Peppers, you'll love this one.  Enjoy.

Spring is Coming and So are the Hummingbirds

Recently I saw a post with some interesting facts about Hummingbirds.  It was from a newsletter I get from About.com  And it reminded me that soon the Hummingbirds will be returning to our neck of the woods.  I love these little birds.  But they can be annoying. LOL  I put my hummingbird feeders out every year and attract quite a few to our small Texas ranch.  But if I dare let them feeders get empty, boy do they let me know it.  They will fly all around me and buzz me until I go back inside, clean them and put out fresh nectar for them!  Anyway, I thought you'd enjoy these facts as much as I did:

1.There are more than 325 hummingbird species in the world. Only 8 species regularly breed in the United States, though up to two dozen species may visit the country.
2.A hummingbird’s brilliant throat color is not caused by feather pigmentation, but rather by iridescence in the arrangement of the feathers and the influence of light level, moisture and other factors.
3.Hummingbirds cannot walk or hop, though their feet can be used to scoot sideways while they are perched.
4.The calliope hummingbird is the smallest bird species in North America and measures just 3 inches long. The bee hummingbird is the smallest species and measures 2.25 inches long.
5.Hummingbirds have 1,000-1,500 feathers, the fewest number of feathers of any bird species in the world.
6.The average ruby-throated hummingbird weighs 3 grams. In comparison, a nickel weighs 4.5 grams.
7.From 25-30 percent of a hummingbird’s weight is in its pectoral muscles, the muscles principally responsible for flight.
8.A hummingbird’s maximum forward flight speed is 30 miles per hour, though the birds can reach up to 60 miles per hour in a dive.
9.Hummingbirds lay the smallest eggs of all birds. They measure less than 1/2 inch long but may represent as much as 10 percent of the mother’s weight at the time the eggs are laid.
10.A hummingbird must consume approximately 1/2 of its weight in sugar daily, and the average hummingbird feeds 5-8 times per hour.
11.A hummingbird’s wings beat between 50 and 200 flaps per second depending on the direction of flight and air conditions.
12.An average hummingbird’s heart rate is more than 1,200 beats per minute.
13.At rest, a hummingbird takes an average of 250 breaths per minute.

This is only half of the facts about Hummingbird's I saw.  Stay tuned for part 2 in a week or so.  Plus, keep your eye out for my new Fused Glass Hummingbird Feeder that I'll be listing in my Etsy shop: KayzKreationz. They are great for your yard or as a gift.  In the meantime, check out this cute Hanging Mosaic Birdfeeder that can also be used as a birdbath if you wish.

Beaducation and Giveaway

In perusing through the different blogs I follow, I found this post from Andrew Thornton about a great giveaway for a "Sit and Spin Riveted Pendant" class.  It's offered by a website called Beaducation.  So I checked out the site and the different classes.  It is fantastic.  They have all sorts of classes you can take online.  Very inexpensive.  They show you all the materials/tools you'll need for the classes.  Plus any pre-requisites you might need for that class.  In some cases, they even show you a small teaser video of the class.  They even have some free classes you can take.  I've got several I'm going back to take over the next few weeks/months.  So check out Beaducation and also Andrew's giveaway on his blog.  You'll love them both.
I'm wanting to take a couple of these classes to not only make more jewelry, but also to add some unique components to my Stained Glass, Mosiac and Fused Glass Kreationz.  If you need some Glass to add to your home or garden check out my shops on Etsy and Artfire, both named KayzKreationz.  I'm sure you'll find something you can't live without or I even will do custom orders.  Enjoy.

Great Giveaway from Lampwork Diva-Glass Pearls

I love this blog.  She's got great posts and gorgeous lampwork beads.  And right now she's doing a giveaway of some glass pearls she got from Auntie's Beads.  You don't have to do much to be entered.  Just subscribe to her YouTube channel and blog about it.  So be sure to check it out.  It's Lampwork Diva.
And if you're looking for some great Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden, be sure to check out my shops, Etsy-KayzKreationz or Artfire-KayzKreationz.  My Glass Kreationz also make great gifts.

Liquor Bottle Fan/Light Pulls-Cute gifts-In a Treasury

What a nice surprise!  I woke up this a.m. to a message that my Liquor Bottle Light/Fan pulls were featured in a Treasury.  Gifts for Men-Under $20  Check it out and click on the picture of the Liquor Bottles to go right to my shop to purchase one for yourself or someone else.
For other great Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden you can also check out my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz or my Artfire shop, KayzKreationz.  I know you'll find a Glass Kreationz you can't live without. LOL.