Happy Mango Beads and Giveaway

I just found out that March is National Craft Month. In perusing the internet to find out more about that I came upon Happy Mango's twitter and blog comments about it. And Lo and Behold, they are offering a Bead Giveaway.  These are great beads.  Love the color and look.  So check out their Happy Mango Bead blog for their giveaway.  Look at some of their goodies!

Aren't they great?  And for some of my Wire-Wrapped, Beaded jewelry or Glass Kreationz, be sure to check out my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz.  Great Glass Kreationz for your Home and Garden.

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.

Lemon Chrysophase and Butter Bean Jasper Necklace set is in Mermaid's Song Treasury!

I just got a great convo this afternoon that my Lemon Chrysophase and Butter Bean Jasper Necklace set was in the Mermaid's Song Treasury on Etsy.  I love this necklace set and was honored that someone else did too.  At least enough to put it in their treasury.  Here's the Necklace set: Lemon Chrysophase and here's the Treasury it's in: Mermaid's Song.  Please Click on the pictures and comment.  Thanks.
And if you're interested in Stained Glass, Mosaics, Fused Glass or Beaded Kreationz, you can check out my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz for great Kreationz for your Home or Garden.

Pink Breast Cancer Charm. Cell Phone charm, Zipper pull

I had a very good friend, the girl who had cut my hair for about 20 years, die last year from Breast Cancer.  There was no history of it in her family.  She was only about 40 with 2 teenage children.  And she died within 5 months of them finding the Breast Cancer.  It spread quickly into her lungs and the rest of her body.  We've all had someone we've known either fight or beat Breast Cancer.  I'd been thinking about doing this for a while, and finally got it done.  My newest listing is a Pink Breast Cancer charm/Cell phone charm or Zipper pull.  It's in my shop, KayzKreationz, under Beaded Bookmarks.  I did it for Simona. 
I also make Stained Glass, Mosiacs and Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home and Garden.  Check them out.

Etsy Texas Style Treasury-Blue Fused Glass Strip Plate

Another great treasury!  My Blue Fused Glass Strip Plate is in the Etsy Texas Style Treasury!  This little plate makes a great little serving dish, jewelry holder, candy dish, candle holder.  Whatever you need it can be used for.  It's made of 2 different shades of blue and a light mauve glass.  The edges are beveled, and it's slightly slumped for a shallow dish.  Anyone that loves blue would love this dish.  Be sure to check it out in my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz.  You can also check out the Etsy Texas Style Treasury and give it some love, or find some other great items all made by Texans and in Texas shops.

"It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" Beer Bottle windchime

Woohoo! I got my first Custom request. A customer on Etsy convo'd my shop, KayzKreationz, and asked about a custom Beer Bottle windchime. She has a "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" area on her back porch/deck and wanted a beer bottle windchime, like the Miller Lite one I had listed some time back. But she wanted a Miller Lite, Bud Lite, and Coors Lite bottle on it. (One of each) I got the bottles fired fairly quick, but it took me a while to find a suitable piece of "driftwood" from off our small Texas ranch to hang it from. I finally got it finished today and listed for her. She loves it. So if you're interested in something similar, just post here, convo me on Etsy or tweet me: KayzKreationz and I'll be glad to make you your own Custom Beer Bottle windchime. (If I have the bottles, since I'm not a big beer drinker.) :) Here's a pic or two and a link if you want to check it out. Enjoy.

And for more Glass Kreationz for your home or garden be sure to check out my Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass in my shop, KayzKreationz.

A Greenie Bead Giveaway

I just found this great giveaway for beads from JenJuddRocks blog.  Click on the title or here to get there.  She's got a great one going.  After mentioning great features in some magazines, she's offering a giveaway for 2 people of some great beads.  So be sure to check it out.
And if you're looking for some already finished jewelry (mainly wire-wrapped) or some great Glass Kreationz for your home or garden, check out my shop, KayzKreationz to find something you just can't live without.  I feature Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass items, plus some jewelry.  Thanks for stopping by.

Purple Baroque Etched Flower Stained Glass Panel-Saturday Blog Shopping

It's that time again.  And this week I'm featuring a brand new Stained Glass panel just listed in my shop, KayzKreationz.  It is Purple Baroque Glass with an Etched Flower Bevel right in the center of the panel.  It ties in with my love for flowers and gardening.  And purple is such a royal color.  The center has decorative soldering around the Flower Etched Bevel.  And the edge is brass ball chain soldered to the edge and then patinad to match the rest of the soldering.  If you love flowers, stained glass or just want a unique gift for yourself or a loved one be sure to check this one out. 
And don't forget to check the rest of the Blogs participating in our Saturday Blog Shopping network by clicking on the button to the right.

"Roses" Fused Glass Garden marker-Saturday Blog Shoppers feature

In honor of Spring/Summer, my feature this week for the Saturday Blog Shoppers is my newest listing.  It's my "Roses" Fused Glass Garden marker.  It's an adorable little pink rose fused glass oval that can be hung from a hook or stake of some kind to mark the roses, either in your garden, or in a pot, if you have one of those miniature roses.  The hook that's fused in it has been dressed up a little with a green ribbon to hide the hook.  If you love gardening and plants, this is a cute addition to either your garden or your potted plants.  You can check it out here or in my shop, KayzKreationz, with the rest of my glass kreationz/creations for your home and garden.
And for some more great handcrafted items check out the other blogs in the Saturday Blog Shoppers group by clicking on the button to the right.
Happy Shopping.

Saturday Blog Shoppers Deals

Since it's spring and so many of us are doing things to spruce up our yards and gardens for spring, I thought I'd have my little Ladybug plant stake as this Saturday's Blog Shoppers Deal.  They look so cute sitting in the pot with your plants.  They really dress them up.  The only one left is the orange transparent one.  You can check it out here in KayzKreationz.  And remember this is the only one left, so hurry and get your ladybug before it flies away!  LOL
And for more Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass for your home check out the rest of my shop.  Hopefully I'll be getting a bunch more things listed in the next week or two, so either sign up for my newsletter on the left or keep watching my blog and shop for new items.
"Ladybug, ladybug, fly away home..."  to your home that is.  Be sure to get yours.

WooHoo-"Ocean Meets the Sky" sold

I'm always excited when I make a sale in my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz. (I have an Artfire shop also, but no sales there yet. KayzKreationz there also.) But at the same time, I'm always a little sad. I love everything I make with my glass and always feel like a little part of me is leaving when I ship something out. But it always makes me feel good to think that someone else loved my glass enough, too, that they just couldn't live without it. So with a sad, but happy at the same time, I big a fond farewell to this adorable little suncatcher. I hope you enjoy your new home. And I hope your new owner enjoys you as much as I enjoyed making you. Sooo, in the words of this great song, "So long, farewell, Auf Wiedersehen, Good-night (good-bye)" Adieu little "Ocean Meets the Sky" fused glass and seashell Suncatcher.
And if you're looking for something unique for yourself, a loved one or friend, be sure to check out either one of my shops, KayzKreationz on Etsy or KayzKreationz on Artfire, for Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass items for your home or garden.  And if you want to know what's new and happening with me, my blog, my glass or my shops, you can follow me on twitter: KayzKreationz or sign up for my newsletter on the left.

Etsy Blog package giveaway

If you're looking for some help with your Etsy Shop or just a great giveaway, check out this great Business package being offered on the Etsy Blog. It offers some Ad Boxes for your shop, some Photo Editing and some other great prizes. It ends today, so hurry. Just click on the title or here to get to the giveaway:

Etsy Blog giveaway

Support Handmade

There's a movement going on Etsy right now to help support Handmade/Handcrafted items. It's called 30on30. It's very simple. To help support handmade items and artists you simply spend $30.00 on November 30th. (Or whatever you can). It's a great way to help support these artists or even your local economy instead of the big box stores like Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target and others. Plus you get something really unique for yourself or as a gift for someone else. And usually these items last much longer than anything you'd buy in the stores and often become things handed down from generation to generation. Plus it gives you or your recipient a special joy knowing it was handmade/handcrafted and you picked it out or had it customized just the way you wanted. If you're interested in helping support your handmade community, whether local or worldwide, search for "30on30" on Etsy and see what wonderful things you come up with. For instance, I make Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass items for your home and garden. You won't find anything like this Birdfeeder in your local Wal-Mart. Or this great little Romantic Blue Plate in Pier One or BedBathandBeyond. So check out my shop: KayzKreationz or the many other great handmade items on Etsy now or this Monday and help support Handmade/Handcrafted with 30on30.

My mosaic birdfeeder is in a Treasury!

I hadn't been in a treasury for a while, so it was a nice surprise this morning to get a convo saying noahsarkcollection had put me in their treasury. They featured my mosaic Birdhouse birdfeeder. I love making these birdfeeders and especially like this little birdfeeder. So check out the treasury by either clicking on the picture of it or the title to the post and give it some love. Here's the birdfeeder they featured.

New Giveaway from Sassy Glass

Sassy Glass on Etsy has some of the greatest stone & silver jewelry. While browsing the blogs I follow I found out about a giveaway of one of her gorgeous pendants/necklaces on LillyShayStyle's blog. Be sure to check it out, to see the pendant and for a chance to win a beautiful piece of jewelry. Tell 'em KayzKreationz sent ya.

Earth Day

Today is EARTH day. What is everyone doing to help the earth? I always try to plant something. And I don't use chemicals in my yard or garden at any time. I recycle most of the year too. And with my glass I try to recycle bottles, shells, etc. for some of my art. Then I also create things to help the wildlife, like my birdbaths, birdfeeders, butterfly baths, etc. We need all those critters to keep our gardens/yards growing. You can check out some of my glass items at KayzKreationz. Will be a new birdfeeder/birdbath/butterfly bath listed tonight.
What do you do to help the earth & environment?

Rescue Turtles, Wildlife Management, our small Texas Ranch and my Glass

About a week and a half ago, a friend of ours that owns apartments, went to check on one of his rentals to find that the renters had moved out and left their fish tank with "a" fish, a hamster in it's cage and their tank with 2 turtles in it. Whether they had left food or not I don't know for sure, but obviously with no-one there, the animals couldn't get food. I don't care for people that just go off and leave their animals or decide that they can come dump them in the country for us to take care of. What they don't realize is we already have our own animals that we "responsibly" take care of and their animals will sit beside the road chasing every car coming back, hoping their owner is coming back to get them. Then they will wander off and either get hit and hurt or killed or we will have to shoot them, because we don't know if they're sick, mean or whatever. In case you can't tell this is a real pet peeve of mine! If people want animals in their life, then they need to take responsibility for them. If they can no longer care for them, then it is their responsibility to find homes for them or a shelter that can take them and then provide some support to that shelter. But I digress. Our friend had found a school here that wanted to take the fish and it's tank for the children to learn how to take care of and they had decided to keep the hamster. (He had taken all the critters home until he could find homes for them.) But he couldn't keep the turtles and couldn't find a home for them. In steps my DH. We have a water trough buried in our back pasture as a water source for the wildlife as part of our wildlife management we do on our small ranch. We told him we would take them home and release them in this water source and hopefully they would survive. We didn't know what kind of turtles they are and neither did he. But at least they might have a chance. So he put them in containers for us, we toted them home, cleared out some of the moss and grass that always overgrows this trough, put some rocks in so they would have a place to climb up without hopefully climbing out and then released them. They seemed happy enough with their new home. Although one of them was "not" happy with being handled, once they were put down at the edge of the water, they immediately took off into it's darkest depths. I go out every day or two and sprinkle a little food for them and look around. So far we haven't seem them, but we haven't seen anything floating, and there seems to be enough room around and under the rocks where they could hide/live. So unless they have climbed out and crawled off, we're hoping they will survive. At the very least they had a chance they wouldn't have had when their previous owners decided to just irresponsibly leave them behind for our friend to bring home and try to care for. Here's a couple of pics of my DH putting the rocks in for them and them being released.
This is one reason so many of my glass items have to do with gardening, birdfeeding or birdbaths and such. I love nature, animals and wildlife and like to provide for them and usually end up spending any money I make from my glass to either make more to sell or to provide food and homes for them. I'm a sucker for animals and I think they know it. :) Enjoy the pics and if you're looking for something to help the animals and wildlife check out my glass in my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz or my Artfire shop, also KayzKreationz.

Interview with Yaffa Dreams

After purchasing a couple of adorable guitar pick pendants from Yaffa Dreams, like the one to the left, I wanted to fing out more about her and her art. So I asked her for an interview. Here's her great answers. I hope you enjoy learning more about this great Etsy seller. And afterwards, check out her shop, YaffaDreams. Here's just a peek at some of her great items in the box on the right.

1. When did you start crafting?

When I was a wee one! I also majored in Constructive Design in college and wanted to design fabrics, which never happened.

2. What is your favorite part of your crafting?

Seeing the end results. I usually start out with one idea and by the time I have finished, the end product is totally different.

3. Do you make more than one craft, and if so, do you sell them all in your shop? I make mainly jewelry but I also paint bags and jeans and yes, I sell them all in my shop.

4. How does your crafting help you? (i.e. do you use it to support yourself entirely, to help with part of your bills, or mainly for fun and some extra cash as well as the joy in crafting?

Right now, I am unemployed and use crafting to help pay my bills and also to keep me busy, so that I don't end up in the nuthouse.

5. What is the hardest and easiest parts of your crafting?

For me, the hardest part of crafting is wire-wrapping. I guess it takes tons of practice. Also, not buying every bead out there.

6. What do you enjoy about having a shop on Etsy?

I love the support from fellow Etsiers. I have made tons of friends on Etsy.

7. What are some of your favorite shops on Etsy?

www.KayzKreationz.etsy.com for the beautiful glass work (and the mosaic bird bath).

www.Host.etsy.com all proceeds go to help fellow etsiers in need.

www.scrapbox65610.etsy.com the tarts are so cute and smell so good. I keep them all over the house. My closets smell great.

www.catiahades.etsy.com for the cutest jewelry items.

www.boogerelli.etsy.com for her fun lil' boogers.

Another great Award

Thank you so much AudreysCountryCrafts for this honor and great award. After posting about my "Sisterhood Award" and passing it on, I found out one of the recipients had in turn awarded me this award. It's the "Kindred Spirit" Award. Sometimes you come across a really wonderful blog that makes you laugh, makes you think, or just pulls at your heart strings and you would love to have an award or button to give them that shows how great you think their blog is. So this award if for those blogs. So I feel honored that she bestowed this award on me. And in turn I will pass it on to another blog that I thoroughly enjoy. It has to do with my other passion: horses. So Crafty Equine, here is your "Kindred Spirit" award.

If you know of a deserving blog - feel free to take the award and pass it on. The only "rule" I have is: If you take it - please let me know which blog you gave it too. I love to look at and read new blogs!!