I am very pleased and excited to announce that we are being featured this week in Unique Creations by Tracy's blog. I share a bit about who I am and what I do and why I craft handmade jewelry.
Unique Creations by Tracy's Feature Shop Wednesday Dena Liston Designs
Please let me know what you think.,
Musings of a jewelry designer and momma. I want to better my world and make it sparkle at the same time. I love junk and "trash" and defying the terms daily. We can reuse and we can remake and we can enrich our experience by realizing that sometimes we don't just throw it away but give it new life.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Another great Link Up! Kiser Kraft's Handmade Mania
I am doing a series of blog posts on handmade craft link ups.
Today I'm featuring Kiser Krafts Link Up happening on Mondays Handmade Mania week 45
It's a another great link up to participate with and shop on Kiser's Krafts blog
It starts on Mondays and has similar rules to other link ups. There's no shortage of great items on this link up. And lots of people participate which means lots of potential sharing of your items to from other makers (and shoppers) I am not sure of the statistics on it but I am quite sure handmade vendors purchase and shop handmade as well :) We all like to help each other, thats one of the things that make being a crafter or artist so great :)
Here's are my favorite items are from this weeks. And it just happens that they are all fellow Storenvy Shop owners so that really rocks! I love Storenvy and its a great marketplace for handmade as well as all sorts of great items. I could talk about Storenvy all day but really go check them out!
I love the bags from Jessie's Studio - The only problem I have with her bags is picking my favorite.
This red Tanya is pretty spectacular don't ya think?
Tanya in Red By Jessie's Studio
And I always have to share the love when I find another kick butt jewelry designer and I just absolutely love this wrap skull bracelet in purple from The Crafty Warrior
The double wrap purple skull bracelet is really something I could wear daily.
Check it out
Double wrap purple skull bracelet
I love this retro records tote bag from EVLK Designs
Retro Records Tote Bag
Those are my picks for the Handmade Mania at Kiser Krafts! I hope you will check them out and participate. Stay tuned for another link up and my favorite pics from it on Friday!
Today I'm featuring Kiser Krafts Link Up happening on Mondays Handmade Mania week 45
It's a another great link up to participate with and shop on Kiser's Krafts blog
It starts on Mondays and has similar rules to other link ups. There's no shortage of great items on this link up. And lots of people participate which means lots of potential sharing of your items to from other makers (and shoppers) I am not sure of the statistics on it but I am quite sure handmade vendors purchase and shop handmade as well :) We all like to help each other, thats one of the things that make being a crafter or artist so great :)
Here's are my favorite items are from this weeks. And it just happens that they are all fellow Storenvy Shop owners so that really rocks! I love Storenvy and its a great marketplace for handmade as well as all sorts of great items. I could talk about Storenvy all day but really go check them out!
I love the bags from Jessie's Studio - The only problem I have with her bags is picking my favorite.
This red Tanya is pretty spectacular don't ya think?
Tanya in Red By Jessie's Studio
 |
| Tanya by Jessie's Studio |
The double wrap purple skull bracelet is really something I could wear daily.
Check it out
Double wrap purple skull bracelet
 |
| Double Wrap Purple Skull Bracelet by The Crafty Warrior |
Retro Records Tote Bag
 |
| Retro Records Tote Bag by EVLK Designs |
Those are my picks for the Handmade Mania at Kiser Krafts! I hope you will check them out and participate. Stay tuned for another link up and my favorite pics from it on Friday!
Friday, September 26, 2014
Link up For Handmade!
If you love handmade like I do or have a handmade business. You definitely want to check out these very cool things called link ups. I am going to devote my post to one I found and use quite a bit and its fun to see all the really great crafters and maybe even do a bit of shopping!
So for the next few posts I'm going to feature a link up I've participated in and the share my favorites here with you. These are really cool marketing tools because they act on the principal of shared success. You link up three of your items and then you share and promote three that are not your own. It is fabulous because it creates opportunities for artist and crafters like me to gain exposure to a worldwide audience for free. I also have to admit that I have been shopping the link ups too. It never a chore to share my favorites but its almost impossible picking them! So much talent! So without further adeiu Up first....turkandbean.com's Made of heart Mondays
Turk and Bean's Made of Heart Weekly Link up September 22
Pics are used to show items only for purposes of promoting that artist.
Elephant and Bird's Airplane Spoon might be just the ticket to get my picky three year old to eat anything.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/181235466/wooden-aeroplane-spoon-kids-cutlery-baby
The Best Friend Personalized Coffee Mug by CraftsbyAndi is appealing because I have some great long distance gals I'd love to send this too. How awesome that you can get it personalized!
So for the next few posts I'm going to feature a link up I've participated in and the share my favorites here with you. These are really cool marketing tools because they act on the principal of shared success. You link up three of your items and then you share and promote three that are not your own. It is fabulous because it creates opportunities for artist and crafters like me to gain exposure to a worldwide audience for free. I also have to admit that I have been shopping the link ups too. It never a chore to share my favorites but its almost impossible picking them! So much talent! So without further adeiu Up first....turkandbean.com's Made of heart Mondays
Turk and Bean's Made of Heart Weekly Link up September 22
Pics are used to show items only for purposes of promoting that artist.
Elephant and Bird's Airplane Spoon might be just the ticket to get my picky three year old to eat anything.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/181235466/wooden-aeroplane-spoon-kids-cutlery-baby
 |
| Wooden aeroplane spoon by Elephant and Bird |
And going along with food and drink theme.
Where would be be without it?
I know I can't function without this little miracle called Coffee
Little House of Crafting's Team Caffeine Button says it all! http://littlehousecrafting.storenvy.com/collections/874402-caffeine-lover-buttons-and-magnets/products/4996615-team-caffeine-1-25-button-or-magnet
Those are my three picks for Made of Heart Monday's with Turk and Bean
Stay tuned for my next link up!
Let me know if you have a link you want me to check out.
Wednesday, September 24, 2014
Falling for Fall Handmade Auction
I love fall, don't you? It my absolute favorite season. I love everything about it. I also love handmade. As an artist I love the perfect imperfection of handmade items. I love seeing the stitches and the details and the love and heart and soul the artist or crafter pours into each piece. I started a crafting group recently for supporting handmade artists and crafters all over the world. We started with like 6 people a little over a month ago and now have almost 850 members and adding and growing everyday. I decided I wanted a great spot for our talented makers in the Craft Mavens and Masters group an outlet to sell and promote their business. What better way than hosting themed auctions online. The ability to unite and work together with artists all over gives me great pleasure and I have discovered sooooo many talented artist and crafters since starting my little business last year. I started the Crafty Mavens and Masters Auction page to showcase their many talents. This auction site is open to anyone in our group and features auctions with a specific theme....so back to what I was talking about above....Our first auction features fall items.Our Falling for Fall auction starts this Friday at 8pm EST and it loaded with great items for your home and more. I have submitted one of my twisted leather signature bracelets for this auction and I can't wait to see who gets to have it for their own.
Here is all the details on our Falling for Fall auction. I hope you will go take a peek and join us back there at 8pm est. It's going to last for four days and should be tons of fun!
What do you want to bid on?
https://www.facebook.com/craftmavenmasterauctions
Falling for Fall Handmade Auction presented by Crafty Mavens and Masters Auctions
Becky's Pillow Shop
The Painted Lace
Sudzy Bums
.JPG)
Just Ducky Designs
Cherished
Butterfly Bean
Bows Tutus and MORE
FiberSongs
Sweet Pea Designs by Dee
Unique2Chic Designs
Free Spirit Handmade
HCM Custom Creations
Camille's Charms
Monday, September 22, 2014
Don't Give Up
Hello My lovelies!
I am sorry to have been absent so long from my blog. My family had a crazy summer and I am still catching up from the whirlwind. It started late spring when we decided as a family to relocate to the Hatteras Islands from Berkeley Springs....it was Berkeley to Buxton. My husband went down and interviewed for a job, was made an offer and he accepted. Then the task of finding housing and everything else that goes with moving your whole family hundreds of miles away began. We slowly began making all our friends and family aware and of course my lovely fans and customers as well, then everything started unraveling. We found a house but it was not ready to move into as the lady stared when she took my deposit and then later stole it. We had given the money in good faith and she completely took advantage and would not return it. Sad lesson learned. And then the job details were not as they were told to my husband. We were deceived more than a few times during this whole process and because of all the turmoil and struggles, with heavy hearts we let the dream of living in the OBX go for good. But, wait! This story does have a happy ending. Distraught over losing out of that dream and still needing a place to live by August 1, we looked at a cute duplex in one of my favorite towns of all time, Harpers Ferry.
Harpers Ferry is a great little town on the banks of the Shenandoah River, full of history and culture it really is a great place to raise a family. And the schools are some of the best in the state. My husband and I lived here prior to starting our life together and we were always very happy. We pointed our compass in that direction and never looked back. I am so glad we did. My daughter just started kindergarten here and we are just very grateful to have such a great school for her to go to. I joked often with hubby that I would live in a shack if it meant my kids could have the best education possible, so we really lucked out, Other positives? My husband no longer has a four hour daily commute, we are closer now to my family and his and we have a lot more space and quality time. (yes i finally have a studio and workshop!!!) And as far as business, this was a great move for me. I have made so many great friends and having been getting some many new opportunities plus I have to say I am in the best farmers market in the area and the vendors and staff really believe in supporting each other and shared success. I cant wait to get my studio fully set up as since the move I have mostly just been getting my kids settled in and ready for success. We gave up a huge yard when we moved but we now have a neighborhood of kids, places to walk everywhere and one the nicest parks in the area. I guess the moral of the story is don't give up! We were crushed when our plans fell through, and it was hard to move ahead. But I am so grateful and glad we didn't lose faith. We now have a beautiful, safe place to nourish and grow our children, as well as plenty of beauty and nature to inspire, and the promise of a great tomorrow. I hear Peter Gabriel s Don't give up in my head as I type this. You may have a huge task ahead of you, or a situation in your life full of strife and disappointment but please don't give up. Regroup, plan ahead, change direction but don't stop moving ahead.
"Don't Give Up"
I am sorry to have been absent so long from my blog. My family had a crazy summer and I am still catching up from the whirlwind. It started late spring when we decided as a family to relocate to the Hatteras Islands from Berkeley Springs....it was Berkeley to Buxton. My husband went down and interviewed for a job, was made an offer and he accepted. Then the task of finding housing and everything else that goes with moving your whole family hundreds of miles away began. We slowly began making all our friends and family aware and of course my lovely fans and customers as well, then everything started unraveling. We found a house but it was not ready to move into as the lady stared when she took my deposit and then later stole it. We had given the money in good faith and she completely took advantage and would not return it. Sad lesson learned. And then the job details were not as they were told to my husband. We were deceived more than a few times during this whole process and because of all the turmoil and struggles, with heavy hearts we let the dream of living in the OBX go for good. But, wait! This story does have a happy ending. Distraught over losing out of that dream and still needing a place to live by August 1, we looked at a cute duplex in one of my favorite towns of all time, Harpers Ferry.
Harpers Ferry is a great little town on the banks of the Shenandoah River, full of history and culture it really is a great place to raise a family. And the schools are some of the best in the state. My husband and I lived here prior to starting our life together and we were always very happy. We pointed our compass in that direction and never looked back. I am so glad we did. My daughter just started kindergarten here and we are just very grateful to have such a great school for her to go to. I joked often with hubby that I would live in a shack if it meant my kids could have the best education possible, so we really lucked out, Other positives? My husband no longer has a four hour daily commute, we are closer now to my family and his and we have a lot more space and quality time. (yes i finally have a studio and workshop!!!) And as far as business, this was a great move for me. I have made so many great friends and having been getting some many new opportunities plus I have to say I am in the best farmers market in the area and the vendors and staff really believe in supporting each other and shared success. I cant wait to get my studio fully set up as since the move I have mostly just been getting my kids settled in and ready for success. We gave up a huge yard when we moved but we now have a neighborhood of kids, places to walk everywhere and one the nicest parks in the area. I guess the moral of the story is don't give up! We were crushed when our plans fell through, and it was hard to move ahead. But I am so grateful and glad we didn't lose faith. We now have a beautiful, safe place to nourish and grow our children, as well as plenty of beauty and nature to inspire, and the promise of a great tomorrow. I hear Peter Gabriel s Don't give up in my head as I type this. You may have a huge task ahead of you, or a situation in your life full of strife and disappointment but please don't give up. Regroup, plan ahead, change direction but don't stop moving ahead.
"Don't Give Up"
in this proud land we grew up strong
we were wanted all along
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I never thought I could fail
no fight left or so it seems
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I've changed my face, I've changed my name
but no one wants you when you lose
don't give up
'cos you have friends
don't give up
you're not beaten yet
don't give up
I know you can make it good
though I saw it all around
never thought I could be affected
thought that we'd be the last to go
it is so strange the way things turn
drove the night toward my home
the place that I was born, on the lakeside
as daylight broke, I saw the earth
the trees had burned down to the ground
don't give up
you still have us
don't give up
we don't need much of anything
don't give up
'cause somewhere there's a place
where we belong
rest your head
you worry too much
it's going to be alright
when times get rough
you can fall back on us
don't give up
please don't give up
'got to walk out of here
I can't take anymore
going to stand on that bridge
keep my eyes down below
whatever may come
and whatever may go
that river's flowing
that river's flowing
moved on to another town
tried hard to settle down
for every job, so many men
so many men no-one needs
don't give up
'cause you have friends
don't give up
you're not the only one
don't give up
no reason to be ashamed
don't give up
you still have us
don't give up now
we're proud of who you are
don't give up
you know it's never been easy
don't give up
'cause I believe there's a place
there's a place where we belong
we were wanted all along
I was taught to fight, taught to win
I never thought I could fail
no fight left or so it seems
I am a man whose dreams have all deserted
I've changed my face, I've changed my name
but no one wants you when you lose
don't give up
'cos you have friends
don't give up
you're not beaten yet
don't give up
I know you can make it good
though I saw it all around
never thought I could be affected
thought that we'd be the last to go
it is so strange the way things turn
drove the night toward my home
the place that I was born, on the lakeside
as daylight broke, I saw the earth
the trees had burned down to the ground
don't give up
you still have us
don't give up
we don't need much of anything
don't give up
'cause somewhere there's a place
where we belong
rest your head
you worry too much
it's going to be alright
when times get rough
you can fall back on us
don't give up
please don't give up
'got to walk out of here
I can't take anymore
going to stand on that bridge
keep my eyes down below
whatever may come
and whatever may go
that river's flowing
that river's flowing
moved on to another town
tried hard to settle down
for every job, so many men
so many men no-one needs
don't give up
'cause you have friends
don't give up
you're not the only one
don't give up
no reason to be ashamed
don't give up
you still have us
don't give up now
we're proud of who you are
don't give up
you know it's never been easy
don't give up
'cause I believe there's a place
there's a place where we belong
Tuesday, July 1, 2014
Be Back Blogging Soon
Monday, May 19, 2014
18th WV WINE AND ARTS FESTIVAL
I hope you will join us this weekend for the 18th Annual WV Wine and Arts Festival held on the grounds of historic Boydville in downtown Martinsburg WV.
Look for me in the grey tent! I will have lots of repurposed hand made jewelry, wine charms made out of vintage buttons, beaded boho headbands that are so much more, leather and gemstone adjustable bracelets and lots of really cool vintage fabric button earrings as well as some hand crafted wine infused soaps from Wild Rose Soap Co.
Here is the link from Travel WV regarding the details and line up regarding music and ticket info.
An excerpt from their page regarding the festivities-
Annual Wine and Arts Festival At Boydville
Ticket price:
$20.00 – adults (21 and over)
$10.00 (13 yrs – 20 yrs)
FREE (children 12 yrs and under)
10% military discount w/ID.
Saturday, May 24
11:00am-7:00pm
• 12:30-1:30 – The Hokums
• 1:45-2:45 – Tabasco Bustelo
• 3:00-4:00 – Ghost Hotel
• 4:15-5:15 – She Town Six
• 5:30-6:30 – Billy Thompson
Sunday, May 25
1:00-6:00pm
• 1:00-2:00 – Willie Barry and the Chaperones
• 2:5-3:15 – CassieRaye Band
• 3:30-4:30 – Gypsy Ramblers
• 4:45-5:45 – Bugsy Cline and the Blue Devils
An eclectic mix of blues, jazz, acoustic, soul, rockabilly and roots performed by regional artists.
Monday, April 28, 2014
Earth Day Recap and Show schedule
I want to take a moment and thank everyone for coming out to see us for Earth Day! My mom joined me in my booth and we had a fabulous time and enjoyed meeting all sort of great folks. I even got to put faces to all the wonderful crafty crafters I chat with online! My momma treated me to one of Sarah's yummy cupcakes. I talked about her shop here (Showtime Earth Day Celebration) A big thanks to Bill and Stephanie Unger and all the Earth Day folks that do such a great job with the festival.
I have lot of wonderful treasures and busy making new items to bring to my first market Charles Town WV.
Too windy unfortunately to get any really good pics at the show. My beaded headbands/bracelet/necklace/anklet/belts were big hits at the show.
As well at the button earrings.
I'll try get some up on the store site soon. I did manage to make a few more twisted leather bracelets and I hope to get those up soon too.
My show schedule has been updated and posted to facebook and my site.
It's here too.
Too windy unfortunately to get any really good pics at the show. My beaded headbands/bracelet/necklace/anklet/belts were big hits at the show.
As well at the button earrings.
My show schedule has been updated and posted to facebook and my site.
It's here too.
5/31
6/28
7/19
8/30
10/4
6/7 North Mountains Arts Fest Hedgesville, WV
October 11th & 12th
Berkeley Springs, WV
Winter Market Berkeley Springs Farmers Market
Nov-Dec 2014 Location TBA
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Join us at the 6th Annual Panhandle Earth Day Celebration at Morgans Grove Park, Shepherdstown WV Saturday April 26 11:00 am
There are some great things happening there and we are going to have lots of fun.
info from their FB page.
The 6th Annual Panhandle Earth Day Celebration will be held Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Morgan's Grove Park, just outside of Shepherdstown, West Virginia. There will be Music, Art, Crafts, Food, Kid's Activities, Demonstrations, Educational Talks, Environmental & Conservation groups, Activists, Vendors, Gardeners, a Farmers Market, a Community Swap, Free Recycling and more! This is a family friendly, community-oriented event.
Bands this year include: The Boatmen - The Green Boys - Herb & Hanson- The Outpatients - The Gypsy Ramblers - Strung Tight - Sacred Groove - The Rolling Coyotes - Paul the Resonator - Sunrise Project - Roderick Deacey
For more information, please visit: http://
If you would like to support this free event, please consider donating at:http://
If you would like to volunteer, please email mail@earthvibeproductions.
I will be joining lots of talented crafters and bringing new items never offered before.
Here are a few pics of the things I am bringing.
 |
| Vintage fabric and buttons turned into earrings with surgical stainless post and hypoallergenic rubber and stainless backings |
 |
| wine charms from vintage metal buttons sold in sets of six |
 |
| these are 7/8 and look lovely. the fabrics are all vintage from the 60s through 90's I try to upcycle or use scrap fabric when possible |
Meet Debbie Smith of DHS Designs
A little about Debbie in her own words:
Always enjoyed doing crafts but it was always for family or for things around the house. A couple of years ago I was inspired to make some jewelry for myself. When family and friends asked it I could make pieces for them it gave me the confidence that maybe just maybe there are others out there that might like what I make also.you can contact her through her FB page or see her at the show.
And this sweet lady....serious pun intended is Sarah Arzt who makes sweet, confections and cakes, yup cakes! And they are yummy!
https://www.facebook.com/touchofconfection
I asked her a few questions about her business.
What do you make?
From custom birthday cakes and cupcakes, to cake pops in all sorts of flavors, to fun cookie varieties, to all sorts of things dunked in chocolate, I am happy to help you find just the right 'touch'.
How did you get into making sweets?
After being an adjunct professor at Shepherd University for the last six years, I am leaving my day job to focus on my company. I started getting into cake decorating when my kids were really little: I had more free time than free money and figured I could make their birthday cakes myself. Over the years, the cakes became the centerpiece of the birthday table as my kids challenged me with their ideas. I was also raised with the idea that you should never show up to a gathering empty handed, and pretty much everyone likes dessert, so that's what I would bring. I co-lead my daughter's Junior Girl Scout troop, assist with my son's 4H group, advise for my youngest daughter's Daisy Girl Scout troop and run the craft room at Shepherdstown's Summer Community Bible School.
Where do you sell?, facebook.com/touchofconfection and www.touchofconfection.com. I don't have an online shop since most things I do are custom and require a lot of discussion before hand.
What you are bringing to the show? Oh, my list keeps changing! Cupcakes and cakepops for sure, haven't figured out the finalist on flavors yet (but salted chocolate caramel will probably make that cut!), Chocolatiers, which are vanilla cream, peanut butter, chocolate wafer cookies stacked up and dunked in chocolate...with sprinkles, have to have sprinkles. Chocolate covered marshmallows, maybe some caramel and chocolate covered marshmallows.
I will also have my Birthday Bag: I will be accepting donations to build Birthday Bags that will be donated to the local Food Pantry. The idea is that in each bag is everything a parent would need to throw a birthday party for their child: cake mix and frosting, invitations, decorations, party favors and candles. Birthdays are so important, I want every child to be able to celebrate theirs regardless of the families situation.
here are some pics of some yummy items.
SEE YA THERE!
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Show Time! Panhandle Earthday Celebration April 26th
I just wanted to pop on an give you guys a bit of info regarding my upcoming show schedule. And talk briefly about the first show I am attending and one I am very excited to be a part of.
Mark your calendars for The Panhandle EarthDay Celebration at Morgan's Grove Park on April 26th.
Here is a handy link to their site that will give you everything you need to know about attending this event,
Panhandle Earth Day Celebration
Did I happen to mention that its FREE! YUP, no charge. If you are like me with a modest budget and looking for fun wholesome things to do with your family this spring and summer, this festival should top your list. A big huge party to celebrate Earth day with lots of great activities for kids, terrific music and arts and crafts as well as info booths that focus on sustainability. There is even going to be a really really free market swap event and recycling opportunities for everything. April 26th Morgan's Grove Park, Shepherdstown WV. 11am -7pm
Next week I will do a small feature about some of my fellow makers attending the show with me.
I hope you will check back then!
Saturday, April 12, 2014
Daftcrafts #HappyHandmade Week #59
I love to bring you guys weekly picks from the Daft Crafts #happyhandmade link up.
http://www.daftcrafts.net/2014/04/happyhandmade-week-fifty-nine.html
We are in the 59th week and here are my picks. Click on the links to bring you to the great handmade items.
She has the most beautiful colors of hand dyed yard and is a super sweet lady.
And I just adore this cross stitch sugar skull. from Craftypodes. Its so bright and funky and really unique.
Framed Cross-Stitch Sugar Skull
And I just love this saying from Bugaboobear Designs I know a few great mermaids to gift this to!
Always Be Yourself
http://www.daftcrafts.net/2014/04/happyhandmade-week-fifty-nine.html
We are in the 59th week and here are my picks. Click on the links to bring you to the great handmade items.
Princess Averie on PureWool 3 ply
I' m not a hooker but if I were I would totally be into this purple beauty from Fairytale Knits.She has the most beautiful colors of hand dyed yard and is a super sweet lady.
And I just adore this cross stitch sugar skull. from Craftypodes. Its so bright and funky and really unique.
Framed Cross-Stitch Sugar Skull
And I just love this saying from Bugaboobear Designs I know a few great mermaids to gift this to!
Always Be Yourself
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