Are You Ready for New Years 2016?

So, are you ready for the new year?  Have you thought about resolutions, and such?  I don't really do resolutions.  Nothing like setting yourself up for failure, lol.  But, I do try to set small, attainable goals, or make progress on goals already started.

For this blog, my crafting blog, I have the following short term goals:

1-  Continue to improve my drawing and painting.  Maybe expand to other mediums, such as watercolors.

2-  Make more wood burned items.  I have only had time to do a few of wood burned items, and I do so enjoy learning how to do it.

3-  Continue making jewelry, and maybe add some new gemstones to my personal collection.  I have expanded a lot in my wire wrapping, beading is still not a favorite, but maybe as I learn more that will change.  I have sold almost all my inventory of my traditional setting jewelry pieces.  So, I would like to replenish my inventory a little bit.  I still have a ton of gemstones that need setting. 

4-  Probably not in 2016, but eventually, I would love to be able to melt my own metals, and make my own jewelry settings.  That has been a long term goal for a while now, lol.

5- I want to learn some new crochet topics.  Though, no matter how many sweaters I begin, or big afghans, those big projects are not the ones I enjoy doing.  I mostly love items that have to do with holiday decor. 

6-  Expand my promoting skills for my Etsy store, and my brand new Society 6 store.  Be sure to check them both out, by clicking on the widgets in the left hand column of this blog. 

7-  Last but not least, continue to learn and improve my photography skills. 

So, what are your goals for 2016?

Get Ready for Garnets!

January has one of the most versatile birthstones, of any of them. The Garnet, which comes in every color possible, even blue, though that is a color shift gemstone not a true blue, but still! I do not own one of those yet. I love Garnets! They are durable, great for every day wear, and can be cut into all the popular shapes. I will be doing quite a few posts, on Garnets. Don't forget I still have a BOGO sale in progress. Buy one item at full price, get a second item of your choice at equal or lesser value. This will end January 1st, as will free shipping. USPS is raising shipping rates, by quite a bit, so I can no longer offer free shipping after January 1, 2016. So, take advantage of both of those deals while you still can. I have had several sales, since it started, so if you want something be sure and get it. I offer layaway if you need it. BTW many Etsy sellers told me a BOGO sale would not work on Etsy, and that I should just stop doing it. It has been plenty successful for me, and I think I will do it again next year at Christmas. A once a year BOGO sale, I like it! I might do an after Christmas sale, but don't take a chance, because I have not decided, and I am not sure it will be jewelry. I offer crochet items, too! Plus, my art work, and photography items, are now being offered on Society 6. So, be sure to check that out too~! I hope everyone had a beautiful Christmas! I hope to get some new inventory created soon.

Happy New Year Baby Cocoon with Top Hat Photo Prop and Iphone and Ipod New Years 2016 Case

Alright, it is almost Christmas.  You know what that means, right?  Time to get ready for New Years, and Valentine's Day.  Believe it or not, when you sell online, and promote your own items, you need to start promoting your items ahead of time.  I have been promoting Christmas since September, now for the next holidays.  I don't have a ton of stuff for New Years, or Valentines Day, yet.  But, I will start working on it.  I have some cool ideas, for Valentines Day, I just hope I can get them done in time.  Below  you will see a Baby New Years Cocoon with Top Hat.  This is all crocheted, very warm, and the hat is more of a photo prop than anything else.  Check it out in my Etsy store, while I still have free shipping, and my BOGO sale going on.  You could get two cocoons, or any other item, 2 for the price of one.  All the details are in my shop home, so be sure to read how it works.  You can always message me on Etsy, as well.

The 2016 New Years  snowman Iphone Ipod case, is available on Society6, in my art shop.  It is from my original painting, and is available on other products as well.  Be sure to check them all out, for some awesome gift ideas.  Society6, as well as Etsy, offers gift cards.  So, you can always pick up one of them, and let the receiver choose. 

Society6 Christmas Board and a Neon Blue Apatite Bracelet

 I love bracelets.  They are by far my favorite piece of jewelry to wear, besides rings.  The bracelet shown, can actually be worn as a choker, or a double wrap bracelet.  It is all done in genuine Neon Blue Apatite beads.  Such a beautiful color.  It is available in my Etsy store.  I just had another sale, in my Etsy store, so things are moving along nicely.  My BOGO sale ends on Jan 1, 2016, but I think I will have an after Christmas sale.  Below, you will see a link to my new collection, on Society6.  This is not just my art work, but art work of fellow artists, all with the theme of Christmas.  If you know someone who loves customized cell phone cases, skins, home decor, tees and other wonderful gift ideas, then be sure to check out my Society6 collection.  Mine are all called Melissa's Art, so look me up.  It is actually very time consuming to upload 4 years worth of paintings, and all the wonderful photographs I have taken over the years.  So, check back often.  The animals are all still my favorites. 

https://society6.com/missy69/collection/christmas?curator=missy69

Make Your Art Work For You with Society 6

For any of you who read this blog, you know that a while back, quite a while back, I wanted to take some of the hundreds of digital photos our family has taken over the years, and turn them into high quality prints and other fun items. Well, I also wanted to do it for my original paintings, and drawings. Etsy is a pain in the behind for this process. So, I decided to search for other options to suit my needs. There were some very complicated ways that I could achieve my goals, but then I found Society 6. What a wonderful website. I am brand new there, only uploaded a few things so far, and it is time consuming to get all the different products set. Some photos, can not be put on all products, but the paintings seem to work quite well. The tshirt below, is by far my favorite item created so far. My momma and baby panda bear, on a tshirt. So cute! Their prices are reasonable, and they have a sale going on right now, and they ship world wide. I of course read reviews, before I signed up, and customers love the customer service. The one thing I did read, is that if you live over seas the shipping is quite high, because you end up paying fees in your own country to have it delivered to you. So, be prepared for that, before you order. Check out the item I shared below, and then check out all my other items currently available. I suppose you could browse the other artists too. There are some super artists on there. For now, I will not be selling my original art work on Etsy, or Ebay.  They will be uploaded to Society 6 instead, where prints, tshirts, mugs, blankets, skins, phone cases, and other great items can be made.

How To Make Miniature Beaded Baskets

I saw something on Pinterest, that peaked my interest about making these little baskets. So, I went to Youtube, and found a tutorial in video format. I can not wait to make these. So cute!

Hand Painted Steeler Football Glass

Well once again I have fallen behind on my blogging, both for this blog and my homeschool blog. So many things to do, so little time. I have lots of things to share with my readers, just need to take the time to get them posted.

My husband is a huge Steeelers fan. I am not particularly fond of painting on glass, but I do it now and then. While at the Dollar Tree, the other day, looking for Christmas Eve boxes, my daughter found this plain football glass. It was the last one, and only a dollar, so of course I bought it. Then I painted the colors, symbol and name on the glass. I just have to seal it, and it will be a wonderful Christmas gift for my husband. I don't paint trademark symbols, unless they are gifts. This is not legal, and I don't do it.

Don't forget to check out my BOGO sale, in my Etsy store, and I am now auctioning off some items too on Ebay. I wish Etsy offered auction style listings, it would make things so much easier.

Upcycled Wooden Chair For My Daughter

Way back in August, we went to a yard sale, and bought this old wooden chair. There was only one, and my daughter wanted to put it by her window as a reading chair. It had already been painted once, but it was dirty and worn pretty badly. I had to wait until it was cooler, and no humidity, so I could paint it outside. The green base paint, was leftover from when we painted her walls. I put on three coats of that. Chairs with rungs are incredibly hard to paint with a paint brush lol. Then I drew on the wolf design, and the two of us worked on painting it together. It has stars and northern lights, but the lights look like antlers to me. She did those, and was very pleased with her work, so I didn't fuss. She loves wolves, but I am not sure why. Anyway there it is. I will seal it to ensure the paint stays on for a good long time.


Don't forget to visit my Etsy store, for my BOGO sale. It ends January 1st. If you get an Etsy gift card for Christmas the sale will still be on. Also, I have started auctioning old inventory on Ebay. I don't know if you can look up items by user name there, but my user name is MRR05 on Ebay.

Some Updates For My Etsy Store and Ebay Auctions

I had another sale for my BOGO sale event, in my Etsy store.  That makes November a very successful month.  I have decided that for older inventory, and as the listings end on Etsy, I will be auctioning off some inventory on Ebay.  I wish Etsy offered an auction option, but alas they do not.  Plus, I realize that it is far less work to sell on Ebay, and some people do not want to buy on Etsy.  So, to visit either of my selling venues, click the links below.  One other update, my Etsy shop will no longer be offering free shipping after the first of the year.  I think it has been a whole year of free shipping, so it is time for that to end.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/missy69?ref=hdr_shop_menu

http://my.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?MyEbay&gbh=1&CurrentPage=MyeBayAllSelling

Swiss Blue Topaz Marquise Wire Wrapped Ring BOGO Etsy Sale

Did you know Blue Topaz is the top selling colored gemstone in the USA? For one thing it is affordable, as far as gemstones go, and it is blue. Blue Topaz can be used as a substitute birthstone for December babies, when Blue Zircon is too pricey, or hard to find. Over the years, I have made lots of jewelry. Sometimes I break the prongs, or the setting just isn't what it was supposed to be. I try not to throw away broken, or damaged jewelry, but instead to upcycle it into new and beautiful pieces of jewelry. That is what I did with this ring, and several others in my Etsy store. This one is a size 4, perfect for a pinky, or petite hand. To purchase, or see all my beautiful items, visit my Etsy store. Don't forget my BOGO sale is still going on, through January 1, 2016. Buy one item at full price, get a second item of your choice free of equal or lesser value. You can't beat that!

Citrine November Birthstone Facts Beautiful Yellow Gemstone

Each month, I try to share a video about that month's birthstone. The birthstone for November is Citrine. The original birthstone, was Imperial Topaz, an extremely rare and expensive gemstone. Citrine is now the accepted birthstone for November. Citrine is an affordable gemstone, even in extremely large sizes, compared to other gemstones. Be careful when buying yellow gemstones. Some sellers will try to sell Citrine as yellow sapphire, or yellow topaz. Visit my Etsy store to see three Citrine jewelry pieces, and all my items come with free USA shipping, and a buy one get one free sale going on now.

Item Number 2 Sold for My First Ever BOGO Sale

I had my second sale, this past weekend, for my first ever BOGO sales event.  BOGO stands for buy one get one free.  One of my Rhodochrosite rings, and the Green Quartz ring, are now sold.  Don't forget I also sell paintings, and crochet items.  Something for everyone!  I just drew out my next painting, and this one will be on canvas.  I love Snowmen, and it will be special, I hope.  I still have to draw out the next horse, for my next football color team item.  That one too will be on canvas.  I found the cutest, I don't think they are ceramic, but very heavy, Santa praying over Baby Jesus figurines, at a local flea market.  They are completely unfinished, and will make adorable bookends, or table decor when I am finished.  I also started a new crochet nurse doll, that I hope will have a special touch when done.  The cap will be the hardest, and making eyes, but I could use buttons or beads.  Will see.  So visit my Etsy shop, and get two gifts for the price of one.  The sale goes all the way until January 1, 2016. 

Football Colors Abstract Horse Painting Silver Red and Navy Blue Patriots BOGO Sale

The silver in my picture doesn't look like silver, but it is. The Patriots are still undefeated, so I picked their colors for my next horse painting. This one is definitely an abstract painting. I hand draw the horse first, then paint it however I see fit. This one is the colors for the Patriots, or any team that has these colors, silver, navy blue, and red. It is signed, dated and available in my Etsy shop. All my items, even my new ones, are part of my Buy one get one free sale, until January 1, 2016. My next two will be on canvas. I only tried canvas one other time, and I was not crazy about it for several reasons. But now with a little more experience under my belt, I will try it again. If I don't find it works for me this time, I will stick with what I am already doing. Visit my store, I have something for everyone, from Art to Jewelry and Crochet items. I just finished a hooded blanket, that I think would make an adorable baby bunting. I will have to decide how I want to finish it.

New Christmas Horse Painting Abstract Zen Tangle Doodle Mixed Media Art

Brand new, just finished last night. I think I love the horses more than the peacocks. I did a horse in team colors last night, too. I will share that one later. This one has a Christmas theme with Poinsettia tangle doodle flowers, ribbons in green, pink and red, plus a few snowflakes. Even my new items are included in my BOGO, buy one get one free sale, so be sure to stop over to my Etsy shop, and check it out. The details are all on my store front. I have jewelry, crochet items, and art. So, something for everyone. Lots of Christmas ornaments too, which make great gifts.

Cha Ching My First BOGO Sale!

My first sale for my first ever BOGO sales event, came through this afternoon.  She purchased a beautiful sterling silver gemstone ring, and then picked another ring for her free item.  I hope she loves them.  All items in my Etsy shop are BOGO eligible, even if they are not marked BOGO in the title.  It is taking me a while to get them all edited.  See my store home for details about the BOGO sale. 

Buy One Get One Free Sales Event BOGO Handmade Angel Christmas Ornaments

My buy one get one free sales event, or BOGO as it is called, has begun in my Etsy shop. All my items are eligible, even new items. I have not raised any prices, shipping is still free for USA customers, so it is truly buy one get one free. I will be showcasing items from my shop, that are in a similar category to each other.

Below you will see four different Christmas angel ornaments. All are handmade by me, and BOGO eligible. Visit my Etsy store for all the details. Details can be found on the store home page, or you can message me if you are unsure how to proceed.

BOGO Sale Starts November 1, 2015- January 1, 2016 My Etsy Shop Buy One Get One Free

My entire Etsy shop will be having a massive #bogo sale, starting November 1st. It will run all the way through the holidays until Jan 1st 2016. This will give me plenty of time if there are any made to order items. I have jewelry, crochet items, and art work. Here is how it works:

1 You must have an Etsy account. It is super easy to sign up.
2 The free item has to be of equal, or less value than the item purchased.
3 Place in your cart the item you intend to buy. Then in the comments state the item you want for free. Then checkout.
4 Please note that if someone else has chosen the same free item, it will be first come first serve, unless I can make another. All receipts are dated, and timed, so this will be easy to keep track of.
5 It is literally that simple. Please note that if you pick an item that is made to order, and one that is already made, both items will be shipped when the made to order item is completed.
6 Please ask questions, if needed.

How To Paint Waves- Ripples

I hope this set of painting lessons has been helpful to you. I can not wait to try his techniques. I have been busy trying to craft everyday, in preparation for the upcoming holidays. Starting Nov 1st I will be having a BOGO sale, in my Etsy store. More details to come in the following days. Buy one get one free, there is nothing better than that. Please remember I take requests, if I can't make it I will let you know. I also offer free USA shipping, and a layaway service. Check out my Etsy store now, and start saving your favorites.

How To Paint Waves Part 3- Wet on Dry

How To Paint Waves- Adding Light

How To Paint Waves Lesson 1

Fall Colors Abstract Acrylic Horse Painting

So, I had been doing peacocks, in team colors. Last week, as an Art assignment for my daughter's History class, I drew out and painted a horse in Fall colors. I am so pleased with how this came out, that I think I will do more in other colors, and abstracts. I love horses! I love all animals, but horses are so majestic, and beautiful. This painting is available in my Etsy shop. I have an adorable Tom Turkey all drawn out, but haven't found the time to paint him yet. I also have to revamp a reading chair, for my daughter, which will include a wolf painting on the chair. I hope to have that done soon, with the cooler temps here in Florida. Be sure to check out my Etsy store. It is never too early to start shopping. I offer layaway~!

Coober Pedy Opal Documentary

Cute, Fun, Frugal Halloween Lawn Decor

Did you know, if you get paid every two weeks, there is only like 5 or 6 more paychecks until Christmas? Oh my! I drew out the most beautiful Fall horse today, and I can't wait to paint it. If you are looking for team color peacocks, you might have to place a custom order, because I think I am going to continue with the horses, at least for now. That will actually be shared here on this blog, and my homeschool blog, as it was a co assignment with me and my daughter. Below you will see an adorable set of three pumpkins. The original Pinterest post showed these pumpkins kind of sitting sideways up a pole, or stick. I chose not to mess around with all that. I purchased three dollar plastic pumpkins. My kids don't trick or treat anymore, so there was no hope of be getting any leftovers, lol. Then I bought two mum plants, one a burgundy red, and the other white. I split the burgundy mum into three plants, actually, put two in the pumpkins, and one in the ground, the white one also went into a pumpkin. I do not purchase special dirt. I use my dirt from our burn pit, and add mulch, or vegetable clippings to the dirt. Last, but not least, I bought three solar lights, from the Dollar Tree, and placed one in each pumpkin, towards the back of the pumpkin. I hope you can see how really pretty they are in the dark. So, I think I spent, maybe 15 dollars total. Once it gets closer to Christmas I will just put the plants into the ground.

I Started Using Foto Fuze to Edit My Etsy Items and I Love It!

I have only been using Foto Fuze for a few months. My first time editing, was just ok. But, as I add new items, and continue to use it, I am getting much better. Why do I like it over say, Photo Shop? Because it is simple and easy to use, and I don't have to have a lot of skill to use it. One tip I could give, when you take your original photo, always try to make sure it is on white, or at least smooth background. Foto Fuze imports my Etsy listings, and then publishes them back to Etsy when I am done editing. Super easy! I think it works with Ebay too, but I am not 100% sure, and it is free. There is an upgraded version, you can always check that out.

Why am I sharing this? Because, I love to share cool products, websites, and tools that I find. Did you all read about Handmade by Amazon? I put an application in, and will see what happens. I am not sure how many stores they are accepting at first.

Football Peacock Red Black and White Abstract Art

I finally remembered to get more paint paper, so I can continue with my football team color peacocks. This is the fourth one in the series, and is Black Red and White, for say the Falcons, or any other team with those colors. These make great gift ideas, and I offer free usa shipping and a layaway service. See it in my Etsy shop.

 I am still working on an angel table cloth, and the pink and purple bedroom set for a toddler girl.I am also brewing around in my brain for some beaded angels, or other cute ornaments.  Maybe some nurse, that would be awesome!

Lacy V Stitch Crochet Red Shoulder Wrap Shawl Neck Scarf with Free Brooch

The v stitch is one of my favorite stitches. It looks lacy, and feminine. The more thin the yarn you use the more lacy it will look. This is done in red, and is a shoulder wrap, neck wrap, or scarf depending on how you want to wear it. It comes with a free silver tone brooch. This is ready to ship. Custom orders can be made for other colors, in my Etsy shop.

Wood Burning for Beginners

I love wood burning, though I am still a beginner. Most wood burners transfer the image using different techniques, or by tracing and image. I hand draw all my images on, then wood burn. Unfortunately I don't know my own strength, because I broke one of the tips off right in the burner. So, now I have to get another one. Not a big deal, but I hate leaving projects unfinished. These two wooden salad serving spoon and fork, have a buck, and a doe drawn on them. As you can see one got finished, the other did not. These are actually pretty difficult to woodburn on. The wood is thick, and because they are kind of curved it is rather difficult. I can not wait to actually finish these, and offer them in my Etsy store. Both my kids want to woodburn, but man that thing gets hot. I wear two small rubber gloves, and it still can burn my hand.

Newborn Infant Warm Halloween Cocoon Costumes for Baby

I have not had time to relist, or list any new or old inventory. I did not get to paint this week, though I have two projects started. I did get to crochet some cute angel bookmarks, which are much easier than the cross bookmarks, and they will be listed in my Etsy store soon. I also have a pink and purple little girl first birthday cake in the works, that will include pull ups, instead of diapers, and a crochet skull tablecloth also in the works. You would think I would finish one project before starting another. But, I hate scrap yarn lying around, so I am finding small projects to use them up on.



If you have a newborn, or infant, then Halloween can be really cold. Some people love to dress their babies up, and take them out trick or treating. I have a whole line of baby cocoons with Halloween type themes, that will have baby looking adorable and stay nice and warm. There is one example below, for a mermaid, but click here to see the rest of them in my Etsy shop. They make great photo props too.

Halloween for Heroes Teacher Coffee Tea Soup Glass Mug with Sugar Skull Hand Painted

I love the sugar skull, definitely a favorite. This is a glass soup, coffee or tea mug with the sugar skull hand drawn then painted in acrylics. The bottom has a skull and cross bones, and the saying is, You can't scare me I'm a teacher. Great gift idea, and the third in my Halloween for Heroes series. Check them all out in my Etsy store. 

Beautiful Sapphire the Birthstone for September In My Etsy Store

I love Sapphire! One of the most beautiful gemstones in the world. It comes in every color of the rainbow, with blue being the most popular, and even color change. It is a spectacular gemstone. I have five rings, in my Etsy store, that all have some kind of sapphire. The ring shown below is a synthetic blue sapphire. It has a rich blueberry blue color, and awesome cutting. I try to keep all my pieces affordable, so everyone can own beautiful jewelry. Some are set in traditional settings, and some have been wire wrapped. Click this link right here, to browse all five of them at once. See something you love, put it on layaway. Be sure and ask me about layaway. Customers love it. I offer free USA shipping too!

Tips To Help You Use Social Media Links To Optimize Your Etsy Shop

This is a special post, for my Team Support and Promote fellow teamies who want to learn how to use social media more effectively, but don't know how.  Now, I am not an expert, but I can share what I know.  This post is dedicated to finding your links on various social media sites, so you can participate in social media games on Etsy teams.  Most of the social medias have different ways of finding said links, and some are quite difficult.  I think Tumblr is the hardest.  This info is only for the social media websites that I use, there are actually tons more, that I do not use.  This tutorial will teach you how to go to the social media site mentioned, and find the link to share on Etsy games.  You must post the item to each social media site first.  Some use buttons you install like Pinterest, Wanelo, Fancy, etc.  Some are right on your Etsy listing.  However, you can always use the orange plus button at the end of your search bar, at the top of every page you ever visit online.

Twitter:  For Twitter click on the item you tweeted, you will see the word details below the image.  Click on the word details, and that will give you the correct url to copy and paste to your Etsy game thread.  If you are super fast, after you tweet something, it will say view on Twitter.  You can click that and it will take you right to your item, and the link.  However, it is only open for like 2 seconds, so I miss it most of the time, and have to go to the Twitter website and follow the directions above. 

Pinterest:  For Pinterest click on the image of the item you want a link for, it will open in a new window, just copy and paste the url to your Etsy game thread.  You can also, for Pinterest, right after you pin something it will give you the option to see it now.  This is by far the easiest way to get your link, just see it and then copy and paste.  But, if you wait too long that window shuts down, and then you have to go to Pinterest and do the way I said above.  Btw if you don't know how to find your pinned items, without going through your whole thread, just click on your user name in the right hand corner, and then click pins.

Google Plus:  Google plus is pretty easy.  You just find the little arrow drop down menu.  It is to the right of the item you shared.  Once you find it options will appear.  Click on the link to post, the link will show up usually already highlighted, you just copy and paste it to the game thread you are playing in.  If you don't know how to copy and paste hold down the left side of your mouse and drag it across the url until it is highlighted then right side click your mouse and hit copy, go to your game thread, right click your mouse again and hit paste.

Wanelo:  Go to Wanelo click on the item you want the link for, when the window opens up copy and paste it to the game you need it on.

Facebook:  Facebook is kind of a pain.  For best results, and I only do this for items I post to FB that I want a link for, other wise I just put the link to my item and be done with it.  If you need a link do this:  go to your FB page, where you update your status click add a photo, upload the picture first, then add the link to your Etsy store, then click publish.  After you have published it, click the picture you just uploaded.  It will open in a new window and just copy and paste the link to your Etsy game.

We Heart It:  Go to your canvas where you can see the items you have posted to We Heart It.  Find an item, click on the image, after it opens up just copy and paste the link to the game you want it in.

Tumblr:  Tumblr is a pain, and I don't usually share links from there, though I do post to there everyday.  Go to your Tumblr account, find the item you want a link for, down at the bottom of the image are some funny looking characters.  Click on the three dot symbol, then get permalink, it will open in a new window, copy and paste to the game you need.  If you are playing a game where you need to share someone elses items to Tumblr, you click their link which will take you to Tumblr then you have to click reblog.  It is very weird, I know.

Stumbleupon:  Go to your Stumbleupon account, click on the little arrow by your profile picture, a bunch of options will come up, click my likes, you will see all the items you have liked.  Click on the item you want a link for, then just copy and paste to the game you are playing.  I stumble by using the orange plus button, I told you about earlier.  I do that for Tumblr and Google + as well.  The Tumblr button on Etsy listings very rarely ever works, and if it does it takes forever.  So, I don't use it.

That is all the social media sites that I use.  There are tons more, but I don't have the time or the patience for it.  I used to use Fancy, but it turned out to be more of a pain than it was worth.  Bestie here and there, but it is very slow to upload things.

You Can't Scare Me I'm A Fireman Halloween for Heroes Coffee Tea Soup Hand Painted Mug With Bats and Moon

This is the second glass mug in my Halloween for Heroes series. This one has a bat on the bottom of the mug, with glowing eyes. The front has a big Bat and Moon. I hand draw, then paint these myself. This one is for a Fireman, can be for a fire woman, with custom order. It is available now in my Etsy store.

Team Colors Navy Blue and Orange Peacock Abstract Zen Doodle Tangle Acrylic Painting

Here is number 3 in my team painted peacocks. If you are a Broncos fan, this is the one for you. There are other teams with these colors as well, I just don't know them by name, but I am sure you do. This is by far my favorite. I made it a little bit fancier than the other two, and I think this is the pattern I will be sticking with. This will be available in my Etsy store, to purchase, on Friday 9/11/15. All of them are currently limited edition, first editions. If they sell out, I can make more, but right now only one for each team will be done. Message me in my Etsy store for custom requests. I offer a layaway service, too.

Hand Painted Nurse Halloween Coffee Tea or Soup Glass Mug

These are nice glass mugs, that I painted on. I actually went and got some more of these to do for other professions. This is for a nurse. It says you can't scare me, I'm a nurse. It is all hand drawn then painted. The skull and cross bones, at the bottom, is on the outside of the glass, but you can see it. Very cool! This is available to purchase in my Etsy store. All new and renewed items are added on Fri or Sat, so be sure to check back often. I have a Citrine ring on sale right now, only 30 bucks for Citrine and Zircon. Get it! I offer layaway, and free USA shipping.

Upcycled/Recycled Ice Coffee Jars Into Witch and Warlock Gothic Wine Glasses Halloween Party Bride and Groom

These are iced coffee glass bottles that have been cleaned, sterilized, had all the sticker glue removed, and then hand painted on. These are a witch and a warlock hat, for a Halloween party bride and groom, or those who love a non traditional gothic Halloween wedding. Just add a fancy straw and make a toast. They are painted in acrylics, and then sealed for durability. Visit my Etsy store, to purchase, make a custom order request, or check out all my awesome items.

Yogo Sapphire From Montana

I love Montana Sapphires. I have owned some, sold some, and will again buy more at some point and time. Learn about Yogo Sapphire from right here in the USA, in Montana. Sapphire is the birthstone for September. Be prepared to enjoy all kinds of info on sapphire this month.

Rustic Wood Burned Wall or Table Art Ocean Scence with Palm Trees Water Sailboat and Birds Etsy

My newest Etsy store item is this beautiful rustic wood burned ocean art piece. I hand draw all my wood burned pieces, I do not trace them. Then, I wood burn them. I am still new to wood burning, but it is a wonderful addition to my love of art. This can be hung on a wall, or used as table art. It is signed and dated. This is available for purchase in my Etsy store. Check out all my wood burned items. If you want something special, message me on Etsy, and I will see if I can do it for you. Don't forget to check out my weekly sale item. It is never too early to start Christmas shopping. A little bit at a time won't break the bank in December. Plus, I offer layaway! I have some cute new Halloween themed items to share later this week. One has a nurse theme. Be sure and check back to see those, on Friday.   Hopefully I will get my next peacock drawn, and painted soon.  We start back to homeschooling next Tuesday, so I have been doing a lot of planning for that. 

Early Christmas Shopping Gift Idea Angel Christmas Ornament with Cameo Super Sale Item

My super sale item, for the week of 8/29-9/6 is this adorable Angel Christmas Ornament, with clear wings, a pearl for her head, and her body is made of teardrop shaped resin with a beautiful blue and white cameo embedded in the resin. Set this next to some lights and watch it shine. Only 8 dollars, right now, with free USA shipping. Check it out in my Etsy shop.

Ladies Love Grilling Too Crochet Purple and Pink Summer Apron

These are not time consuming to make, so if you want one in different color schemes, contact me for a made to order item. This was part of the August theme for Team Support and Promote. This is crocheted in Amethyst Purple and beautiful pink. I love these aprons for grilling, cooking, gardening, and as a rehab apron for those recovering from injuries. It fits me nicely, with extra tie, and I am a size 12. If you need a larger size, just ask. These are completely washable, I would lie flat to dry, as with any crochet item. I am hoping to get one more item created, before the August theme thread runs out. This item can be purchased in my Etsy store.

Etsy Sale Item Of the Week 8/21/15-8/28/15 Plus Free USA Shipping Victorian Cameo Pendant and Necklace

So, I still have not finished my Summer themed crochet apron, for my Team Support and Promote challenge. However, I did finish the painting, and that is now listed in my Etsy store. I will feature that another day.

Today, I am featuring my sale item for the week of 8/21-8/28. Each Friday I slash the price of a new item. This week it is this beautiful blue and white victorian lady cameo, set in resin, then made into a pendant and wire wrapped to the gold tone tear drop piece. Then a bail and a gold tone necklace to complete the piece. This would be awesome for a wedding, mother of the bride, or ladies who love more traditional jewelry. At 16.05 cents, it is definitely affordable, and if you are in the USA I ship to your for free. Start your Christmas shopping early this year, less than 20 bucks you can't beat it.

Unique One Of A Kind Yellow and Black Steelers Color Painted Peacock Abstract Art

Last week I did the Bills, this week the Steelers. My husband is a die hard Steelers fan. Next will be a team that has green in it's team colors, because Peridot is the birthstone for August. My black paint pen, that I outline with, decided to die on me last night. It is much more difficult to outline with a tiny paint brush, so I kind of was not super happy with this painting. It does look stunning in the pics though. This one is yellow and black, as you can see.   I will be doing one peacock for each professional team. They are available to purchase in my Etsy shop. I do not sell prints, just my original paintings. Please remember, that I list new, and renewed items each Friday. So, this painting will not be available until August 21st. I offer free USA shipping, and a layaway service. Christmas is coming, start getting ready now. Click here to visit my Etsy shop, and check out all my awesome items.

Are You Ready For Some Football?

I love football, but mostly just the pros. My hubby watches it all, but the NFL is my preference. I also love peacocks. So, I drew out a peacock, then painted it in the colors of my beloved Buffalo Bills, red and royal blue. I will be doing one painting in each team's colors. A more feminine football painting. If you are interested in one of these, contact me through my Etsy shop, and I will do your colors next. Each will be available in my Etsy store. I also will be making redneck wedding glasses, they are so cute, and am finishing up a Fairy Queen crochet infant Halloween costume, in purple and black. Not much jewelry making, just not in the mood for it. Check out my Etsy shop for all my cool items. I offer layaway! I just sold out of the soft pink resin butterfly keychain. So, if you wanted that, it is gone. This peacock painting will be available tomorrow, 8/14 in my Etsy shop.  Most renewals, and new items are listed on Friday through Sunday, so keep that in mind. 

Picasso Painted Flip Flops Wear Your Art on Your Feet and A Painted Shower Curtain

This is the fourth pair of painted flip flops I have done. This pair, for whatever reason was the most difficult. I painted over the roses, didn't like them, painted over the pumpkins didn't like them, so then I decided to go for an abstract look. I love Picasso faces! They are so unique and interesting. So, I painted some Picasso inspired faces on these flip flops, and I love them. I will definitely have to do other sizes, and different face shapes. They are so interesting. These are a size small, and will be available in my Etsy shop on this Friday, August 13th.

 Also, today, I finally got to paint my shower curtain. If you follow this blog, then you know back in March I painted my whole bathroom, in reds and pinks, with white flowers. Even the shower walls got painted. So, of course I wanted a new shower curtain. Sorry, but I am not spending 40 dollars on a shower curtain. So, I painted my own. Now, I have to say this is not exactly what I wanted, but it will suffice for now. I had to spread it out on the front porch, which was incredibly hot even at 11 AM. Then I had to keep it stretched with my feet, while standing on it. My neighbors must have thought I was nuts, especially since I had my bathing suit on. That was on purpose, lol. I knew I would be hot and sweaty, so when finished I got in the pool. I used acrylic paint, and sealer, and it is hanging in the bathroom right now. I attempted some flowers, but eh I didn't like them at all on the rough wood surface of the porch. Next time I attempt this, I will lie it out on the old dining room table and go in sections. It did instantly brighten up the bathroom, and it looks quite lovely in there.

Fun Facts About Peridot the August Birthstone

Every month I try to share a fun video, or two, about the birthstone for that month. August is the Peridot, and my birthstone. I love Peridot, especially a fine lime green one. It is such a lively and beautiful color. Most gemstone will come in a variety of colors, not Peridot. It will always be green. Peridot may have more yellow, or a darker green, but it will never be red, blue, or purple. Peridot used to have more value than diamonds, thanks to the Egyptians. Enough from me, though, watch the video and see for yourself. After, you can check out my Etsy shop, to see if I have any Peridot available for sale. I do, lol. I hope to get more done soon. I have some pretty pear shape Peridot, just haven't had the time to get it made into jewelry.

Gloom and Doom with A Touch Of Pink Original One of A Kind Acrylic Painting

Since all it wants to do is rain here in Florida, I am getting very gloomy. So, today I sat down and drew out this picture, then painted it with acrylics the colors of gloom and doom. That would be grays and black. Then I added some beautiful neon pink to the light house, and even the bird. If it stays gloomy, I might do this in other colors.

 Last week, I drew out a peacock, to add some tangle doodles to, in football colors. I was supposed to paint that today too, but the other took too long. I am thinking of trying some oil paintings. I think I would be able to blend better if I used oils. I love acrylics, and love that they dry very fast. But, sometimes that is just not awesome. The only thing I am worried about with oils, is odors. I have a very sensitive nose, and it could trigger headaches. I will have to see. The flip flops, with pumpkin vines are no more. They annoyed me for the last time, and I removed all the paint. Now, to decide what I want to paint on them, lol.

Don't forget to check out my super sale item, on sale until 8/6, when a different item goes on sale. See it here.

Blue Turquoise Copper Color Wire Wrapped Ring with Silver

I have been working on new wire wrapped rings, with gemstone settings. I probably have been thinking about this for several years, but could never find a method that I both enjoyed to do, and felt the stone would be secure in the setting. I finally got it! This is a size 5 copper color wire wrapped ring with a good size turquoise oval cabochon gemstone. I have several new rings done, and all are for sale in my Etsy store. If you love unique, one of a kind pieces of jewelry, check out my shop. I offer free usa shipping, and a layaway service.

How to SEO Your Etsy Shop for Better Traffic, Views, Favorites and Most Importantly Sales

If you have an Etsy shop, then you know how hard it can be to stand out, get noticed, and get sales. This past December, I resigned my part time nursing job, so my husband could take a promotion. So, I have had lots of time to SEO my shop. What does SEO mean? Search Engine Optimization, which is a fancy way to say people search, and then your shop is in the top of the search engine results. This is a lot of work. The videos below are awesome, and there are two articles on Etsy help forums, which are basically the same as the videos. A few things I have learned: join a good team that has guidelines and rules, do not join too many teams hearting and rehearting items into infinity is a waste of time and you are just promoting others more than yourself, use social media wisely and interact. If you have any other tips, or advice, please share them in the comments. Next time, I will be sharing about taxes. I have never had enough sales to worry about taxes, but sales tax is an interesting topic. Now, I know you are jealous, but I have to go outside, in the heat and humidity, to do yard work.

Crochet Baby Girl Bear Hat and Dress with Pink Ears and Ruffle Newborn to 3 Months Halloween Photo Prop Adorable Baby

This is the baby girl version of my crochet bear set. This is a dress, and hat, for newborn to 3 months. I love the pink ears, and ruffle. I can do the ears and ruffles in other colors, it will have to be a custom request item. If you have twins, this would be adorable. I have one boy version, and one girl version ready to ship in my Etsy store. 

Learning To Set Gemstones and Create the Mount Video Tutorials

How To Find My Sale Item of the Day, New Photo Products

Today, my sale item of the day, is a Citrine and Zircon ring.  It is 50% off.  If you want to keep track of my sale item of the day, but I don't do a post dedicated to it, just scroll down a little bit on the left hand side is my Facebook page widget.  The sale item of the day is always there.  Just click it. 

In order to keep a shop fresh, you need to provide products people are looking for.  While I will not stop making the products I love, and learning new techniques for them, I am going to add another love to some new products.  Photography!  Over the years, my children and I have taken some amazing pictures of our adventures here in Florida.  I will be offering items with those images on them, such as tote bags, mugs, shirts, etc.  If you are interested in seeing some of our beautiful photography on gift items, stay tuned.  I am excited about this new adventure. 

Adorable Halloween Witch Acrylic Zen Tangle Doodle Abstract Original Painting

Brand new fresh off my painting tablet. This adorable orange haired Halloween witch, with her black cat, sugar skull, and zen tangle doodle clouds. Plus a winking moon. This is done with acrylics, and paint pens, after being hand drawn. Visit my Etsy shop to check it out. Be sure and check out my sale item of the day. Each day I drastically mark down one product. Today, it is a black resin heart shaped Christmas ornament, or Halloween ornament,with and orange owl in the resin. It is 50% off today only, which usually ends tomorrow morning around 8 AM.

Newborn Infant Baby Boy Bear Crochet Hat and Pants Halloween Photo Prop

This could technically be for a baby girl, but I will be doing a set with a dress and hat, so that will definitely be for a little girl. This is a two piece baby bear set, the hat and the pants all crocheted. My baby doll is way too small to fit the pants properly, but this is for a newborn to three months. This would make an adorable Halloween costume, photo prop, or just every day cuteness to wear. This is available in my Etsy shop right now. Click here, to see it. 

Wood Burned Halloween Picture Frame with A Bat, Spider, and Ghost

This is my second wood burned picture frame, and my third over all wood burning project. The first one had a wedding/anniversary theme, this one is for Halloween. I left a space at the bottom of the frame to have a date wood burned in, or a name. This will be available in my Etsy shop, on Friday July 17, 2015. From here on out, or until I decide otherwise, all relisted items, and new items will be listed on the weekends. So, be sure to favorite my shop, or this blog, to keep up with new items. I also will do custom requests. Starting today, I am starting a new feature in my shop. Every day a new item will be slashed in price, and featured on all my social network feeds. Today, is a Monarch butterfly painting. It is still available, as of this post, at the sale price of $12.50 with free USA shipping. Just do a search for butterfly, and you will find it. Heads up for tomorrow, it will be a Ruby piece of jewelry.  Ruby is the birthstone for July.  Click here to visit my Etsy shop.