Friday, December 26, 2008

~Looking For New Year's Eve Fashion Accessories?~

gabysgems

New Year's Eve is just around the corner.  If you are looking for some fashionable and one of a kind handmade accessories look no further than Gaby's Gems.  Gaby creates her beautiful jewelry with real genuin gemstones.  Here are a few items that would look stunning to wear to a New Year's Eve party:

For the elegant and formal type bash consider this gorgeous Fire and Ice- Garnet, Quartz, and Mother of Pearl Necklace.  Two tiers of garnets, mother of pearl, blue quartz, and gold plated beads fall from a single strand of gemstones.  Garnets bring prosperity and friendship while quartz embodies romance. Mother of pearl brings fortune and luck.  This necklace is 21 inches long and the tiers fall 2 1/2 inches. It is strung on super strong stainless steel jewelry wire with a gold-plated hook and eye clasp.
  
For the more casual kick off your heels type party check out this unique Purse-uasion- Coral and Pearl Necklace and Earring Set.  Not only are the colors in this necklace vibrant but very chic and eye catching.  Perfect for anyone who loves purses!!! A sterling silver and pink resin purse hangs from a strand of pink coral and fresh water pearls with silver-plated accent beads. The necklace comes with matching earrings.  Coral will bring the wearer luck and harmony and pearls represent prosperity and success.  This necklace is 18.5 inches long. It is strung on super strong stainless steel jewelry wire. The hook design of the silver-plated clasp allows you to customize the length of the necklace.

For a quiet and memorable evening at home this Purl One Knit Two- 32 inch Pearl and Gemstone Necklace and Earring Set is perfect and has meaning.  Here is Gaby's description of this lovely set: 

This necklace has everything. A chunky faceted fluorite bead is the centerpiece of alternating freshwater pearls, gemstones, and fluorite hearts with a heart toggle clasp. Matching earrings are included.

Pearls- Prosperity, success
Fluorite- Concentration, decisiveness
Citrine- Prosperity
Amethyst- Wisdom, healing
Rose quartz- Love
Garnet- Prosperity, friendship
Aventurine- Luck and adventure

This necklace is 32 inches long and can be worn long or double stranded. It is strung on super strong stainless steel jewelry wire with a heart shaped pewter toggle clasp.

Check out Gaby's store for more awesome jewelry!  www.gabysgems.etsy.com

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

~Featured EtsyBlogger Member Of The Month - December - Spotted Cow Soaps~

Congrats to Spotted Cow Soaps for being the EtsyBloggers Street Team Member of the month for December! There is still plenty of time to shop before the holidays and Spotted Cow has the perfect soap delicacies for all the people on your shopping list. Here are a few of my favorites from Spotted Cow's shop:

This Bay Rum Soap is made especially for the guys in your life. Who says soaps are for girls? This classic scent is Clean, Spicy, & Masculine. Your man will love taking a shower with this one, and you will love how he smells when he's done! Who could ask for anything more?

For the kiddies! Check out this adorable Ladybug croched with 100% cotton yarn. The special recipent can use this ladybug as a bath mitt for bathtime washing, or play with her as though she's a puppet. She comes with a bar of yummy Fruit Tonic Glycerin Soap to make bath time fun! If you would like to add some lotion and make a complete gift set check out this Fruit Tonic Lotion.
Yummy! Chocolate! What a great stocking stuffer for the chocoholic on your holiday shopping list. Check out this Delicious Chocolate Whipped Sugar Scrub. Need a matching bath puff to go with this sugar scrub? Spotted Cow has the perfect matching Chocolate Brown Bath Puff handmade with 100% organic yarn. If you would like a different color contact Spotted Cow through her shop or her blog: http://spottedcowsoaps.blogspot.com/.

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

~Honey-Garlic Glazed Meatball Recipe~

These meatballs are quick and easy to prepare not to mention make a great snack, appetizer, or meal! 

Honey-Garlic Glazed Meatballs

Ingredients:

  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup milk
  • 1 cup dry bread crumbs
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce

  • Directions:
  • In a large bowl combine eggs and milk. Add the bread crumbs, onion and salt. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Shape into 1-in. balls. Place in two greased 15-in. x 10-in. x 1-in. baking pans. Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes or until meat is no longer pink.

  • Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, saute garlic in butter until tender. Stir in the ketchup, honey and soy sauce. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Drain meatballs; add to sauce. Carefully stir to evenly coat. Cook for 5-10 minutes.

  • *Recipe courtesy of www.allrecipes.com*

Monday, November 17, 2008

~November - Etsy Bloggers Street Team Featured Member~

Congrats to the Etsy Bloggers Street Team Featured Member for November: 

Deb, shop owner of

Check out Deb's shop on Etsy.com for beautiful and one of a kind necklaces, bracelets, chokers, earrings, pendants, and other fun stuff!

I picked a few items from her shop that stood out to me and would make great additions to many jewelry boxes.  Don't forget the holidays are right around the corner. 

This turquoise eyeglass holder will be sure to style up your plain glasses.  This 27½" eyeglass holder is made with freshwater pearls and turquoise "dogbone" beads.  Not only is this piece handy in keeping your glasses convinient but it's also a stunning conversation starter.  Love this enough to buy?  Click here.   

This bracelet is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit!  Get into the Christmas spirit with this fun bracelet made with memory wire.  Red and green synthetic chipped beads stretches to whatever size you need.  Normally creates 3 strands around the wrist.  Do you just have to have this bracelet for that special holiday party?  Click here to buy!
 
I had to include this Lapis Treasure Necklace in this featured post.  This necklace is truly a piece of wearable art.  Here is the item description from Story Beader's shop: 

This treasure necklace has a lapis theme. There are 20 drops and two pendants, all laying on two foundation rows. I found this small antique oval pendant that matched perfectly with a favorite Tibetan silver star pendant (1.5" x 1.5"). The star has a large lapis stone in the center, with smaller coral and lime green turquoise stones embellishing it. 

These two pendants were meant to be together, so I built the necklace around them. To secure the necklace, I used a double-strand clasp I found in an antique store, also with a lapis stone in the center.

Some of the beads included in this piece are: lapis (of course), turquoise, silver, crystal, coral, glass, freshwater pearl, and mother of pearl. And don't forget the fetishes. I love fetishes.

The two strands measure 17" and 23" in length.
The whole necklace weighs a total of 3 ounces.


In addition here is the haiku poem that comes with the necklace! 

She walked through the door 
With the bright star reflecting
In her deep blue eyes.
- storybeader

All of Story Beader's items are handmade.  Each necklace comes with a haiku, written specifically for the piece, by Story Beader!

Saturday, November 15, 2008

~Cards By Jenna Opens Shop On Artfire.com~






I never wanted to open up another shop to sell my greeting cards.  I always thought it would be too difficult to keep track of multiple stores and to promote each one equally.  

I heard of Artfire.com from a few different sellers who also sell on Etsy.com.  I debated and did some research on Artfire...it didn't take me long to decide that Artfire is worth a shot.  Here is my shop link:


In a nutshell Artfire is the same thing as Etsy.  You sign up with an account and can set up shop or simply be a buyer.  Etsy charges a 20 cent per item listing fee.  When (and if) the item sells Etsy takes another 3.5% off the sales price.  If you are like me and use paypal there goes more cut out of your profile.  Artfire has decided to charge a flat rate of $20 per month.  No fees, no lopping profits, and best of all Artfire is already investing in advertising and marketing for the site.  Right now Artfire is offering a flat $7 per month fee for life for the first 5,000 people who sign up to open shop.  Sign up for a free account Artfire will plant a tree!  Check out the banner to the right ----->

The screenshot above I took after listing my first item. Every time a new item is listed it is featured on the front page.  My cat card set is in the top row, in between the yarn and the lazy susan.  Click HERE to see the actual listing and how it looks.  How cool is that?!?  I imagine that when more people discover Artfire and start listing items will be rotated out pretty quickly but for now everyone who lists on Artfire can bask in the front page glory.

One more thing I have add regarding the listing process...on etsy there are several different screens that you have to go through.  On Artfire there is one screen that you fill out that includes everything: item description, uploading photos, shipping rates, tags, and so on.  There is even a space where you can write about how you created the item and what inspired you to do it.  You can even put in how much time you spent on creating your item.  

Interested in learning more?  Click HERE to be swept away to Artfire.com.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

~The Chiquita Banana Treasury~


~Going Bananas~

I'm in the Chiquita Banana Treasury!!!

Thank you to Andrea, shop owner of Prims By Andrea for putting together this treasury and including my Monkey and Banana  Customizable Party Invitations.  

Card Description: 

~Cute monkey and banana accented with black and yellow paper against a blue background mounted on white card stock.

~Foam self-adhesive cupcakes accent the card implying the birthday party theme
   

Saturday, October 25, 2008

~The Fiskars® Rock-Paper-Trimmer~

One of my favorite websites and stores to shop is Joann's.  Quite frequently I am checking the website for deals and sales.  While looking for replacement blades for my Fiskars paper cutter I came across this new paper cutter: Fiskars® Rock-Paper-Trimmer.

I was drawn to this item because of the cool patterns and colors so naturally I clicked the link.  Wow!  I about fell out of my chair when I read the description of this paper cutter.   You can click the link above or read on: 

Does music unlock your creativity? This unique trimmer helps you put two fo your favorite things together-a deluxe rotary trimmer and your greatest hit music-for the ultimate crafting experience. Your MP3 or CD player runs the speakers, so no extra power supply needed.
  • Special Edition 12''/30 cm Rotary Trimmer with built in speakers for balanced sound
  • Softgrip® cradle holds your MP3 player
  • Easy to read measuring base
  • Softgrip® blade carriage for comfortable left- or right-handed use
  • Trimmer uses blade style ''B'' (45mm)
No kidding?!?  Being an ipod owner I would never even consider buying this paper cutter so I can rock out while cutting...I believe I will be playing my music through a docking station and keep my ipod away from my crafting space.  It would be my luck that I would glue the ipod to the table, better yet I'm putting my ipod at risk by being so close to something so sharp.  

This paper cutter is $69.99 on sale at Joann's right now.  The original price is $99.99.  I love Fiskars products but I'm not sure what inspired them to make a paper cutter that will play an MP3 or CD player.  Am I only one that thinks this is crazy?!?   

Friday, October 24, 2008

~EtsyBloggers Featured Blogger of the Month - Mama's Magic Studio~

Drum Roll Please! September's featured etsyblogger of the month is Jen! Congrats to Jen! Currently Jen operates two etsy shops. The first shop is called Mama's Magic Studio. Check out the beautiful and unique one of a kind jewelry Jen creates. These earrings really caught my eye, I've never seen anything like it! The earrings are called Knit the Knot Known Fraternal Earrings -- Blue. See the photo to the right. What a perfect gift for someone who knits and loves to wear earrings! For $15 these are affordable and a unique gift.



Jen's second shop is called: Baby Friendly Beads. Baby Friendly Beads are beautifully functional nursing necklaces and bracelets. Breastfeeding jewelry gives baby something else to focus on and play with, instead of pulling mom's hair or pinching her skin.


Check out this Perfectly Preppy Baby Friendly Beads Reminder Bracelet. Reminder bracelets are used to keep track of which breast was nursed on last during a feeding (or which breast needs to begin the next feeding). Simply wear it on the left or right wrist and switch as needed! The beads are strung on memory wire, so the bracelet can be easily switched from one wrist to the other. There are no clasps to fuss with (or for baby to break).


What a unique idea! Congrats to Jen for being EtsyBloggers blogger of the month!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

~Mini Halloween Gift Guide By Jenna~

Since Halloween is next week I decided to put together a gift guide for those of you out there who buy gifts for your favorite ghosts and goblins. Who says you can't buy gifts for Halloween?

Along with the holidays we find ourselves in the kitchen whipping up themed meals or baking those yummy frosted sugar cookies. You can't go wrong with giving the chef or baker in your life a Halloween dish towel! Check out this Halloween dish towel from 2nd Street Designs shop. The best part about this towel is that it was crocheted by the shop owners 86 year old father. What a treat to own something like this. This kitchen towel is currently on sale for $2.50. If you aren't into Halloween check out 2nd Street Designs other items, everything is unique and one of a kind, especially the floral wreaths!

After the kids come in from trick or treating their hands are full of germs! Running around from house to house ringing door bells and knocking on doors. Before letting the goblins go through their candy loot give them some soap to wash up with! I found the perfect mini soaps at Machine Gun Lullaby's shop. Check out these skull and pumpkin mini colored soaps! Vegan friendly and on sale to boot! You pay $1.40 for 10 sweet shea lotion soaps. What a great deal and a fun gift!

Need a trick or treat bag to hold all the loot you plan on collecting Halloween night? Well here is the perfect bag especially if you love kitties! This
Halloween Themed Orange & Black Cat Bag comes from Monk Rock Creation's shop. Not only is this bag environmentally friendly but a great tote to use for any number of items! At $10 this bag is a steal. :-)

Don't forget to bring out the candles to light your way on Halloween night. These Halloween Tealight Holders are not only one of a kind but hand painted and decorated individually. No two holders are alike! These fabulous tealight holders come from Dizzee Lizzee's shop. Not only does Dizzee Lizzee have an awesome shop but she is located just a few hours away from me in Washington state!

Now that we have the candle holder figured out we need to find some tealights to put inside. I have found the perfect tealights at Sweet Surrender Candle Shop. Check out these Pumpkin Spice Soy Tealights! Makes me want to eat pumpkin pie. :-) You get a dozen tealights for $6.99. I noticed there is a sale going on at the Sweet Surrender Candle Shop. Until Ocotober 25th you buy 5 candles and get the 6th one free! What an awesome sale and a great way to stock on up wonderful smelling candles.

Well there you have it! My mini Halloween gift buying guide from etsy sellers. I forgot one thing! If you need Halloween cards to go with any of these fabulous gift picks check out my Halloween cards. Right now all Halloween cards are 50% off.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

~Lucky Ladybug Designs, Thank You!~

I just wanted to say a special thank you to Gloria, shop owner of Lucky Ladybug Designs.  Gloria included me in her blog post the other day.  Check it out: Terrific Tuesday Treasures.  

Not only did she include my ladybug notecards but also featured other ladybug themed items from other etsy shop owners.  Love these notecards enough to purchase?  Mention that you saw this post and get free shipping.  Like just one of these cards?  Let me know, individually the cards are $3.00 each.

  
 

Saturday, October 18, 2008

~Do You Like Reubens & Mac n Cheese?~

Rachael Ray is my cooking idol.  30 Minute Meals is one of my favorite tv shows and actually now that I think about it the only cooking show I really watch.  

Rachael's recipes are quick, easy, and often times you can find the ingredients already in your pantry.  Every recipe that I have made has come out delicious!  Check out Rachael's Blog for more fun info!

Recently I made Rachael's Reuben Mac n Cheese dish.  Wow, it was yummy!  If you love Reuben sammys and mac n cheese then this dish is for you!

The link to the recipe is above, however I wanted to include the recipe here in my blog as well.  If you do decided to make this dish let me know what you think!  If you have a similar recipe or would like to share one of your own your comments are welcome.  

Happy Cooking!

Reuben Mac n Cheese


Ingredients

  • Salt
  • 1 pound cavatappi, hallow corkscrew shaped pasta or, other short cut
  • 2 slices rye bread
  • 3 tablespoons butter plus some for butteringtoast
  • A handful fresh parsley leaves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup spicy brown deli mustard (recommended: Gulden's)
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyere
  • 1 cup shredded yellow Cheddar
  • 3/4 pound good quality deli corned beef, sliced as thick as bacon, chopped
  • 1 pound sauerkraut, rinsed and well drained

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Salt water and cook pasta to al dente.

While pasta cooks, toast rye bread in toaster then butter hot bread. Coarsely chop bread and place in food processor. Add parsley and paprika to bread and process into bread crumbs, reserve.

Heat a sauce pot over medium heat. Add butter to pot and melt, whisk in flour 1 minute then milk. Season the sauce with salt and pepper, thicken sauce 5 to 6 minutes then stir in mustard. Melt 2/3 of the combined cheeses into the sauce.

Preheat broiler.

Drain pasta and return to hot pot. Toss hot pasta with chopped meat and sauerkraut to combine, stir in cheese sauce and coat. Transfer mac n cheese to casserole and top with bread crumbs and remaining cheese. Brown under broiler 3-4 minutes, serve.

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

~Mission Soldier Support Is Underway~

I am a proud to announce that I am a participating member in MSS. (Mission Soldier Support) A charitable effort of Handcrafted Card makers dedicated to providing beautiful handmade cards to our soldiers overseas, for the upcoming winter holidays. The soldiers can use these cards to write to their loved ones back home.  If you'd like to donate an item to this cause, search "MSS" for participating shops on www.etsy.com
 When you buy the card, simply include "MSS" or the words "Mission Soldier Support" in your notes to seller and I'll send the cards straight to our project coordinator, Rachel shop owner of Captured Time Books.  

This promotion runs from October 1st through November 7th, 2008. Feel free to pass our promo on to your friends. It is a really easy way to give this Holiday Season!

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

~Joey & Aleethea, EtsyBloggers Team Blogger of the Month~

Meet the September EtsyBloggers Team Blogger of the month: 

Joey & Aleethea™ is a super cutesie 
boutique for baby boys, baby girls and their peeps!

"We're all about family and fabric, love and laughter, and handmade super coolness. That's how we rock."
- Joey & Aleethea


Check out their etsy shop at: http://joeyandaleethea.etsy.com for tons of cute and adorable baby clothing.   You can also check out there website at:  www.joeyandaleethea.com. 

Remember the holidays are coming up!  Get all your baby gifts taken care of, one stop shopping at Joey & Aleethea!

For fun reading and good times check out Joey & Aleethea's blog!

Friday, September 19, 2008

~EtsyGreetings Team Friday Feature~

Woo-hoo! I'm the Friday Feature shop for the EtsyGreetings Team today. It's exciting to see my work on the blog and be able to say I was featured. Click here to visit my feature!

EtsyGreetings is a dynamic team of greeting card artists who collaborate to promote artisanship through Etsy.com. The EtsyGreetings Team goal is to become the number one resource for buyers seeking quality handmade cards!

In honor of my feature I am offering free shipping in my shop, Cards By Jenna, on all greeting card packs of 3 or more. Stock up on cards while this free shipping promo lasts.

Thanks for visiting!

Thursday, September 11, 2008

~Pretty Purples~

Who loves purple?!? I know it's my favorite color. Not only do I love to use the color in my card creations but I also tend to buy purple items, wear purple clothes, and eat purple food! Ok, maybe not all the time but purple is a pretty color, I just get carried away with it at time.

Some of my favorite purple items include but are not limited to:

Purple Roses Orchids Wine Grapes Slippers Lilacs Anything purple in my closet to wear Amethysts Purple Hearts Lavendar Pansys + so much more!

In my shop I have a few cards featuring all different shades of purple: Lavender, lilac, violet, grape, light purple, dark purple, orchid the list could go on!

Know any lucky parents who have just had twin baby girls? This purple prima flower with ribbon accents would be perfect. For more information about this double trouble greeting card click here!

So maybe you don't know of anyone having twins but everyone has a birthday! Why not stock up on birthday cards now? Here is another pretty purple card from my shop perfect for the birthday girl who loves purple! For more information about this delicious cupcake zero calorie birthday cards click here!
If you love purple leave me a comment and tell me what your favorite purple item is...and even if it's not your favorite color leave a comment and spread the blogging love!

~Jenna