You Created It...Now What?

 I have been a crafter for many years; and when I began to search for an online venue to share my handmade goods with others who had that crafty/artist side, I searched several sites to find what I believed was the perfect fit. I found that fit when I found Handmade Artists forum. I was immediately impressed by the friendliness and homey feel of the community.

The owners of Handmade Artists Forum are Andrew and Kimberly, a husband & wife team. They are always willing to help and encourage everyone. They do not play favorites. Both of these wonderful people are super excellent artists in their own right....but still manage to find the time in their busy schedules to promote and encourage other handmade artists, like myself.

If you are looking for a place that feels like home...whether you are looking for an online shop or not...Handmade Artists Forum may just be what you are looking for. Come check them out and see for yourself.

Are you looking for some place to sell your creations? Handmade Artists Shop may be the place for you! While it is a relatively new site....it is growing everyday.

Setting up shop at Handmade Artists is really inexpensive. It will cost you just $5.00 per month or you can get a discount if you pay for a whole year. That's right.....a discount....and Andrew and Kimberly will not even charge you commission on your sales. The money is all yours. How much better could it be?

Come on over and check out the forum and the shop. Get to know Andrew, Kimberly and the rest of the gang. I think you will be glad you did!

HandmadeArtists.com “Trashy” Contest – You Pick the Winner!

HandmadeArtist.com recently hosted a great contest called ‘Trashy' which began a few weeks ago and now it is time for you.....to VOTE and determine who wins this contest. The contest rules were fairly easy, each contestant was to make something out of trash and turn it into a treasure. Sounds easy enough… I don't think so! This artist couldn't come up with a workable idea....and with the contestant entries that were done...I'm glad I chose to sit this one out. The entries are AWESOME!!!

Eleven Handmade Artists were obviously up to the challenge. You will definitely be amazed at all of the creative items these fine artists came up with and all of it from TRASH!!! It is truly AMAZING!!!

It is now up to you, the voter, to choose who made the best TREASURE out of TRASH. Go to the 'TRASHY' contest and VOTE now! Just click on the word 'TRASHY' and magically you will be transported over to the voting area! Don't you just love technology??

Oh....I almost forgot.....one lucky person that comments on the contest will be chosen at random to win a prize, too!!

Random Commentor will win:One voter/commentor, chosen at random will win this beautiful necklace, custom made by Uniqlets, Jewelry By Lisa and $25.00 cash to spend on anything you want from the Handmade Artists’ Shop! All you have to do is vote, and then leave a comment that you’ve voted! This piece is entitled, “Heart Handmade Artists Bubble Necklace,” and is handmade from vintage iridescent bubble beads from the 1940′s or 50′s.

Now...come on over and VOTE and while you are there....check out our forum and shop. You will be amazed at all the wonderful handmade items you will find.

Remember.....Handmade items are created with love!!!.....Buy Handmade!!!

New Items in HAF Shop

A couple days ago I put two new items in my shop over at Handmade Artists, but before I could get this post done I asked for some pointers on how to take better photos of my handmade items to showcase them better. It was no secret to me that my photos really lack a LOT to be desired. So..in the next few days you will notice (hopefully) that I am replacing some of these on this blog with some much better photos. At least that is my plan. We all know what happens to best laid plans! Anyway....enough about that....on with the new items!

This first item even though it is a set (bracelet and earrings) I chose to do the photos individually.

Blue Crazy Agate Bracelet

Blue Crazy Agate Earrings

This next is a complete set with necklace, earrings, and a bracelet. The set was created using mixed goldstone, antique bronze Swarovski bicone crystals and copper.

Come on over and check out my shop at Handmade Artists. If you see something you like but it is not quite the right color or size...contact me, I will do custom orders.

Remember.....buy handmade....a lot of love goes into every piece!

HAF BlogRing Featured Artist: Nancy's Wild Wire Art

Contemporary Gone Fishing Bone Earrings

In preparation for writing this post, I went to Nancy's shop at Handmade Artists and looked at everything she had in her shop. I have to tell you....this is one talented artist. She has some of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry. Nancy really has a great eye for design. But don't take my word for it...take a look at the pieces I have decided to showcase here and then go to her shop, Nancy's Wild Wire Arts and look at the rest. I really think you will agree.

Moonstone Gemstone Pendant on Italian Leather I just love the look of the copper encased focal stone and the smaller beads for added beauty.

Now...I just love sunflowers! They are so beautiful, tall and majestic looking and when I saw this next piece...I was stunned at the exquisite beauty.

Etched Sunflower Necklace. Nancy hand draws all of her etched items...she doesn't use patterns or stampings...so you know a lot of love went into creating this magnificent piece of jewelry.

Now the items I have showcased here are just a very small sampling of the items that Nancy has in her shop over at Handmade Artists Shop. Take a trip on over and check out her entire shop....I think you will be glad you did!!

Also....Be sure to check out my Contest/Giveaway page....I currently have a giveaway for one of my handcrafted bracelets.

Until next time!!!

Remember.....BUY HANDCRAFTED....a lot of love goes into every piece!!

New Handcrafted Jewelry & Some NEWS

It seems that I can get plenty of jewelry created...but finding the time to actually take the photos has become a real problem. The day job really interferes with that part of my handcrafted business. Oh well...it will soon be time for school to be out for summer and I will have much more time to devote to my own endeavors.

Before I show you the new pieces....I want to let you in on a little secret. I will be adding soaps, bath salts, bath bombs and some other items very soon. So be sure to keep an eye out for those additions.

OK...I have caused you to wait long enough. Here are the new pieces that I uploaded to my shop at Handmade Artists Shop last night.

All of the photos are clickable and will take you directly to that item in my shop.

This first pair of earrings are created using copper and bronze crackle glass.

These are created with black onyx, white quartz crystal, and silver Bali beads.

I just love the look of Victorian and this pair really makes me think of that era.

I call these "Crystal Chains". They are simple and understated...but pack a punch with their length of 3 inches.

White just goes with everything and this pair of earrings are o exception. The cute little antiqued silver hearts dripping with white glass pearls.

These last pair of earrings are simple gemstone and silver. They were created using black onyx and white quartz crystal beads.

I hope you have enjoyed your little visit with my new handcrafted items. I thank you so much for stopping by to view them.

Until next time....have a wonderful day!!!!