Baby It's Cold Outside

It's a chilling 36 degrees here today. Brrr. I figured why not make a warm & cozy treasury. I haven't made one since Halloween.


^^^Click image to go to treasury^^^

Holiday Ornaments

Today's feature comes to use from Leanne in Orlando. Her shop is called Holiday Ornaments. The perfect shop for Christmas ornaments. I had the pleasure to have a Q&A with her. Check it out below & don't forget to check her out.

Q How did you come up with your shop name?
A Since I hand design ornaments for the holidays, I felt like Leanne's Handmade Holiday would be a great choice. Unfortunately Handmade Holiday was already in use when I signed up for Etsy, so Holiday Ornaments seemed like the next best option.

Q How did you hear about Etsy?
A A girlfriend of mine told me about it, and thought it would be a perfect avenue for me to sell my ornaments.

Q How long have you been on Etsy?
A Since the end of August, 2010.

Q Is Etsy a full time job or something you do on the side?
A This is my passion, so no - it's not a full time job. Would I like it to be? Absolutely!

Q Since you make handmade items, do you buy handmade as well?
A Without a doubt! I'm a true believer in supporting my fellow crafters, and have made many dear friends through Etsy.

Q Do you prefer handmade over factory made?
A Handmade, hands down!

Q What is one of your favorite items that you've made?
A I claim that each new ornament I design is my favorite - it's crazy! But, I really love all the symmetrical look of striped materials.


Q What's the hardest part about the items you make?
A They're extremely time consuming. Each ornament is made from an individually folded piece of fabric or ribbon, which is strategically placed to make a quilted pattern. From beginning (prepping fabric and ribbons, etc.) to completion (adding bows, hangers and embellishments), each ornament takes between 2 and 3 hours to complete!



Q What inspires you?
A All it takes is a trip to my favorite fabric store - or to turn the corner and see the holiday ribbon aisle in any craft store. It's pure nirvana...

Q What would you say to a person just starting out in the handmade world?
A Don't give up. When I initially began making my ornaments many, many years ago - let's just say that they were *less* then appealing. Had I given up, I wouldn't be where I am today! As with anything, if you persevere, you can be successful at anything.

You can find her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HandmadeHoliday



Tomorrows feature: #14 Steufel

The Weekend & Christmas

Good morning! How is every one in blog land today? This is the earliest I have EVER written a blog, ha. But I just can't get back to sleep (it's 10:10am & I was up around 8am). This weekend has been a interesting one. Friday I was sick with the flu. That was no fun. I went out & bought some *nasty* Theroflu (the kind you drink). I had to chase it down with another drink. I had a MASSIVE headache & terrible body aches, along with a unfriendly fever. After one pack of Theroflu, the headache eased up just a little. I laid down on the couch to take a nap, only to end up freezing (& it wasn't even cold in here). I had three blankets & a sweat shirt. I could feel my body heat, so I knew that wasn't good when I was still cold. I finally managed to force my self to take another pack of Theroflu (way after the 4 hour mark). That pack was the last pack I took. I went to bed shortly after, only to wake up in a sweat in the middle of the night. I knew the fever had finally broken. When I finally woke up, the body aches were gone, & so was the fever. My ears still felt a lil stopped up, but as of today, I am FLU FREE. Thank God! That mess sucks big time. All I have now is a little cough & a little runny nose. Other than that, I feel wonderful :) The hubby got sick as well, but I don't think he had it as bad as I did. He took Theroflu too & is almost 100% better as well. Theroflu may taste nasty, but it works wonders.

Getting better isn't all the good news I have. Yesterday, we finally got the Halloween decor down & put up Christmas. Yes, already. I like to make it worth while instead of only having it up three weeks. I even got the tree up & lighted, after having a battle with Midnight (the kitten) that is. However, I discovered this morning that Calli (our other cat) may just be our Christmas cat. I found her sound asleep under the tree this morning, lol. I'll post outside photos later. It's kinda cold out & I'm kinda warm & cozy :D

Also, two more costume contests have started for voting. You can find them up above the giveaway section up top. The first one ends Nov 15, the second ends Nov 17 & you can vote each hour, & the third I'm not sure when it ends. To vote on the first one, click the banner, scroll down past my photos, & click "Click here to read or post comments.". You can rate & comment all at once. To vote on the second one, click on "Serial Killer Zombie", then scroll down & click "Save Vote". You can also leave comments there, but you must sign in. And finally, to vote on the third one, click on the banner, & click on "Click here to post comments.".

Last, but not least of the good news, Black Water FX (our shop) has now opened a Christmas section. I have to finish up painting the items (hopefully today), then I can post 'em up in the shop :)

Now that I'm done chit-chatting, how was your weekend? Have you decorated for Christmas yet? Speaking of Christmas, should I decor my blog for Christmas, or is it too early?
XoXo

Christmas Features - Get Featured!

December 1 - December 25, I will feature 1 Etsian per day. The catch? You have to make Christmas items, or have at least one Christmas item. In 250 words or less, tell me why I should feature you. If I have more than 25 entries, I will use random.org to generate the 25 Etsians to feature.  Entry submissions will end Nov. 28, 2010 @ 11:59pm. The chosen Etsians will be announced Nov. 29, 2010 on this blog.  The remaining entries will be featured later, but may be shorter & share a posting with another feature.

Back on sale and cheaper!!!!

Remember all banners are on sale until December 31, 2008. I have dropped the prices down as of today. Any non-animated banner is $3.00 and any animated banner is $5.00. I have also put Holiday banners back on sale for $3.00 until December 24, 2008. Flyers are $2.00 and will stay that way. If I put flyers on sale, I mines well do them for free, ha. I'll also be making icons/avatars soon. Anyways, be sure to leave some comments and let me know at banner.mart.designs@gmail.com if you are interested in a banner or flyer.