girl disconnected...Things I Would Have Said...

I thought would be funny/clever/annoying/stupid (whatever your mood may be) for me to keep track of what I WOULD have posted on facebook/twitter/plurk this month had I stayed connected. So here we go. In no particular order.

~~~~

"Thing #284 you never said until you had kids: Son you may not lick your brother."

"Holy SMOKES it's FRICKIN HOT!"

"Cuddly dog snuggling with you bed...awesomesauce. Cuddly dog letting loose silent but deadly farts....not so awesomesauce."

"Eli is doing GREAT potty training!! So far no #2 in the potty but he's getting better with the pee pee!"

"Anyone have a solution for backtalk or overall attitude in kids? He's only 5....and a boy....should I be greatful he's not a girl?"

"Marc Broussard's new cd...go get it. And if you didn't get Amos Lee's and Adele's? Go get those too. Now. You will thank me later!"

"Dog is allergic to SOMETHING...we're not sure what. 3 vet trips in 2 weeks. (One wellcheck/cat scratch in eye, one eye recheck, one crazy allergic rash.....coming up...another eye recheck.) Dogs are more expensive than kids!"

"sooooooo, have you checked out my shops lately? Jus sayin."

"Eli can now sing most of the words to "Rumour Has It" on Adele's new cd. Your welcome world."

"Apparently summer break means no sewing for mama. Mama no likey that."

"Did I mention it's INSANELY HOT!!??"

"70's music on mp3 player....baking blueberry muffins (gluten free!) Handmade apron 'round my waist....cutie patootie running around in his skivvies....I love my life."


..........more to come............

(handmade) Stuff I've Bought Lately

I love handmade. I really do. It's one of my addictions. So I thought I'd share some goodies I splurged on lately...

I bought this skirt...I can NOT wait for it to arrive. Its' not handmade, it's vintage but I heart vintage too! It's from Miss Farfalla. Very cool stuff.

I also stalked my friend Sara and the ribbon shop she runs with her husband, The Ribbon Dude. She had teased me with some awesome Saints and Who Dat ribbon...and I was finally able to get my hands on it. Yeah...I got a lot of ribbon, but here is my fave:

Back in April I snagged this awesome vintage cup and saucer for my kitchen redo. I was (slightly) redecorating my kitchen with a more retro feel. I'm not done, but making progress. This little cup and saucer fits in great on my armoire! Purchased from Molly's Closet.

And I got this vintage Mason Jar that Midwest Finds turned into a soap dispenser.

Okay, so I realized that these are all vintage and supplies......hee hee. We'll call this the Vintage/Supplies edition of stuff I've bought.

Be sure to check out these cool shops!~amy

Snowed In?

Are you snowed in? Thankfully I'm not, but I live in southern Louisiana, so if I was...well....I think that'd be national news!!

The kids have been sick with the crud, so the littlest one is home from school today (which has been going well by the way, he LOVES school!!) and mommy is just trying to clean, stay on top of things, and get a little time to create!!

Thought I'd take a minute to share a new design of mine...I decided to hand stitch over some fabric for my badge reels...give it a little unique-ness that my other reels don't have. This was a fun way to chill in front of the television..hand stitching the little birdies :)

Available in my Etsy shop, will hopefully be adding more soon as well as to my Artfire shop! :)

Find It Here!

Plurkies Unite! Where to find lovely items from lovely people...

On a little social networking site called Plurk. It's like Twitter's really cool cousin from college.

If you are a plurkie, feel free to leave your URL in the comments section of this blog! I'll be adding a widget you can steal to share this great list, but in the mean time, just link back to this blog post, or copy it and keep your own list up for all the world to see! 

PLURKIES ROCK!

In No Particular Order:

Mama's Little Monkeys and Other Personalities

www.mamaslittlemonkeys.etsy.com

www.mamaslittlemonkeys.artfire.com

www.micromops.etsy.com

www.micromops.artfire.com

www.badgereels.etsy.com

www.badgereels.artfire.com

www.destashcity.etsy.com

www.destashcity.artfire.com

www.napmatcovers.etsy.com
www.facebook.com/shopmamaslittlemonkeys
www.facebook.com/MicroMops

Sunny Days Embroidery/Aunti Franni:

www.auntifranni.artfire.com

28Sides Designs

http://www.artfire.com/users/28sidesdesigns

Designs of Avalon:

http://www.artfire.com/users/dsignsofavalon

GundoWorks:

Blog: http://gundowerks.blogspot.com/

http://www.artfire.com/users/gundowerks

http://www.facebook.com/gundowerks

Butterfly Crafts:

http://www.butterfly-crafts.com/

Emily Claire Creations

http://www.artfire.com/users/emilyclairecreations

Fo-Shizzle Designs, etc.

www.mzzthang.artfire.com
www.earthwindandartfire.artfire.com
www.mischabridaljewelry.artfire.com
www.Fo-Shizzle.com

Jewelled Trellis

www.jewelledtrellis.artfire.com
www.jewelledtrellis.etsy.com
www.zibbet.com/jewelledtrellis

Jewelled Stitches

www.jewelledstitches.artfire.com

Aislins Erotic Jewels and Serenity Grove

http://aislinnseroticjewels.artfire.com
http://serenitygrove.artfire.com

M2bC - Meant2bCherished

www.M2bC.artfire.com
www.M2bC.blogspot.com


Rhythms
www.Rhythms.artfire.com

handarbeitskram

http://handarbeitskram.artfire.com

Skyline Candle Company

www.skylinecandle.com
www.skylinecandlecompany.blogspot.com
www.skylinecandlecompany.artfire.com

NightMaiden

www.nightmaiden.artfire.com

Simply Smiss

www.smiss00.artfire.com
www.facebook.com/simply.smiss

C Turtlez Oddz n Endz

www.cturtlezoddznendz.com
 www.cturtlesoddsnends2.webs.com

www.artfire.com/users/CTurtlezOddznEndz

www.zibbet.com/CTurtlezOddznEndz

cturtlezoddznendz.ecrater.com

www.etsy.com/shop/CTurtlezOddznEndz

www.artfire.com/users/CTurtlezCentral

tdfirmoafm.blogspot.com

www.mineralmakeupmama.com

EagleHawk

http://www.artfire.com/users/cnewcomb
http://www.artfire.com/users/awoodworkingodyssey

Stitches in Cotton

www.stitchesincotton.artfire.com
www.facebook.com/stitchesincotton

SewHappy Designs

http://www.artfire.com/users/Sewhappydesigns
http://www.etsy.com/shop/SewHappyDesigns
http://sewhappydesigns.blogspot.com/
http://icanquilt.com/

Positively Charming Things

http://www.artfire.com/users/PositivelyCharmingThings
http://www.artfire.com/users/positivelycharmingbeads

GlasstasticTreasures

http://www.artfire.com/users/GlasstasticTreasures
http://glasstastreasures.blogspot.com/
http://glasstastictreasures.tumblr.com/
http://www.facebook.com/GlasstasticTreasures?ref=ts#!/GlasstasticTreasures?v=wall

The Beaded Branch

http://www.artfire.com/users/TheBeadedBranch
http://thebeadedbranch.blogspot.com/
http://www.thebeadedbranch.com
http://www.facebook.com/The.Beaded.Branch.Accessories
http://www.artfire.com/users/TBBCompostPile

GypsyGoods

http://www.artfire.com/users/GypsyGoods
http://www.zibbet.com/GypsyGoods
http://mygypsygoods.blogspot.com/

Pegasus Soaps

http://pegasussoaps.com
http://pegasussoaps.blogspot.com
http://pegasussoaps.etsy.com
http://zibbet.com/pegasussoaps

Rose Garden Fibers

www.rosegardenfibers.artfire.com

Essensu

http://www.essensu.com
http://www.facebook.com/essensu
http://www.theholisticdiva.net
http://www.essensu.artfire.com
http://www.essensu.etsy.com
http://www.twitter.com/essensu

Elfling Creations
http://elflingcreations.com
http://merigreenleaf.artfire.com
http://merigreenleaf.etsy.com
http://www.zibbet.com/merigreenleaf
http://merigreenleaf.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/ElflingCreations

Haffina
www.HaffinaCreations.artfire.com
www.BeadsByHaffina.artfire.com
www.HaffinasMinis.artfire.com
www.HaffinaCreations.com

Blog Flashback...

Taking a trip into the way back blog files and reposting this one from March 2010:
____________________
It is often hard to explain Autism to people because EVERYONE knows about it, but quite honestly, unless you know someone WITH it, it's really hard to describe. There are also lots of myth's and preconceived notions about Autism.

Here are some thoughts I had from my son's point of view.

~~~
I am blonde, beautiful, and happy.
I am two years old and love circles.
Don't bother arguing with me that two is too young to be diagnosed with Autism..
my Mommy took me to the best.

I may repeat your words but I don't really "Talk.". But I am not stupid.

I am a sensory seeker and love rough play..but don't assume my friends will. We are not all the same.
I am Autism.

I will scream when you cut my hair, take away my puzzle pieces and turn off Baby Einstein.
Sometimes you may leave a room and I won't notice.
Sometimes I will...and proceed to tear it apart until you return.
I am Autism.

You will get dirty looks from strangers who think I am just a bad kid having a meltdown and
you stink as a parent.
Go ahead..give them a dirty look back...I'm too busy having a meltdown to notice.
I am Autism.

I will eat bananas on Monday.
But not on Tuesday.
I may try the juice you give me...
but only if its red...
and in a green cup...
or I may just throw the darn thing down and fuss.
I am Autism.

I may sleep great, but  my friends may not.
Potty training may be a fantasy...
Simple errands may drive my mommy insane...
I am Autism.

But despite all that...
I am a child, and "A Person is a Person, No Matter How Small"
As Dr Seuss says (and I like Dr Seuss.)
I do love you, I do need you, and I do miss you when you're gone.
I may not run and hug you (or I may!) and I may not say your name,
but you know I'm in here, waiting for you to help me come out.

And I know you love me more than I will ever know.
I know it by hugs, kisses, and that we try it all again the next day.

We'll try therapies, we'll try games, toys, books--everything "THEY" say to do.
I'll try it all with you Mommy, because I know you know,
I am Autism.

And that is okay!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mommy here now...

I am 110% thankfully every day for my life. Eli is extremely high functioning and I remind myself that is a huge gift. He is not dying, he does not need surgeries or meds, and he DOES hug me, love me and look at me.

But some days those blessings are a curse. How can a child who can name colors, not say Mommy? How can he not call my name, his dad's or his brother's? How can we do a puzzle in peace, but when we go to the store we MUST go get a banana so he can hold it through the entire store? Why are some of the simplest tasks the hardest, but then the next day they'll be a breeze? How do you make sure your other more 'typical' child (with issues of his own) is given the same attention as his Autistic brother?

People have asked me, are you sure you're done having kids? When I say yes, and they ask why, I reply, "I have one son with sensory issues and one with Autism". They often say, "so?"

Obviously those people have never spent any reasonable amount of time dealing with even a high functioning Autistic child. They have never had to wonder, will I be able to potty train my child? Will he function okay in school? Will he be able to work one day? Those questions don't go through most people's minds because at first glance, Eli is adorable, he says colors and shapes and he (most of the time) listens to simple commands.

But for the good days there are bad, and sometimes it makes me think. I know I do the best I can, and I have faith he will continue to improve. But the downside of him being high functioning, is it's easy to forget that we STILL need to "fight" for him to continue to grow..it's easy to become complacent. Going to the grocery store, park, bank or what not should NOT be a drama..but it is...and until the day it isn't...I will keep working...fighting for the 'real' Eli to keep coming out.

I hope this makes you think again about any Autistic children (or any special needs) children you may know. Please don't ever judge these families until you have walked a mile in their shoes. And just because it LOOKS like a mom may have it all under control...it could be an act... maybe you can just lend a hand...hold a diaper bag...make a dinner...do SOMETHING for a mom who needs a helping hand.

Thanks for letting me vent my friends! :)
~~Amy

Easy Blanket Tutorial--Impatient Craftaholic Series

Time for another tutorial! Let's make a nifty blanket!

Materials:

Fabric 1 you want (I used minky)
Fabric 2 you want (I used cotton) The yardage is really up to you. You just want Fabric 2 to be larger than Fabric 1 by about 2-3 inches on all 4 edges if you lay them down (pics below).
Sewing Machine
Thread and usual sewing notions
Pins
Frosty Cold Drink (or Toasty Hot Drink if it's winter when you make this)



Helpful tip: If this blanket is for a child, you can usually get by with 1 yard of each of your fabrics, you'll just have to cut Fabric 1 smaller than Fabric 2 to do your overlap.

Step One:
Lay our your fabric. In my case, my cotton was my larger piece. Lay this piece out WRONG SIDE UP, completely spread out. Lay your smaller fabric (minky in my case) on top of the cotton RIGHT SIDE UP. Center it, almost like the cotton is a border around the minky.

Step Two:
Be interrupted by your child.

Step Three:
Fold your cotton over once til it meets the edge of the minky. If you've gotten everything nice and centered this will go smoothly. You may have to cut some cotton if you have too much.

Step Four:

Fold the cotton again so it overlaps the minky and pin.

Step Five:

Continue this all the way around. When you get to the corners you can fold a sort of V, almost as if you were wrapping a package.

Step Six:
Now your cotton should be folded all around your minky on every edge and pinned. If you're really in the mood you can iron the overlap at this point to make it nice and crisp. BE CAREFUL if you are using minky though because you should not directly iron minky. Iron depending on your fabric's needs. Or be like me, impatient and just head to the sewing machine.

Step Seven:
To the sewing machine!! Use your regular or walking foot and sew a straight stitch all the way around the blanket close to the edge where the cotton meets the minky. This assures you go through all the layers and your blanket is secure. If you'd like you can do an extra stitch along the OUTSIDE edge of the blanket, but you don't have to. I did not. IMPATIENT, remember?

Step Eight:
When you get to the corners, I generally go down the corner to the tip, turn around and go back down, resuming the straight stitch after turning the fabric where it needs to go. This is up to you and how you want your stitches to look.

Step Nine:

Continue this all around your blanket to secure all the corners. You should not backstitch with a walking foot, so if you used one, you may want to put your regular foot back on to secure your starting and stopping point. Note, I did not, because I'm impatient and the blanket is holding up just fine.

Step Ten:
Give to your favorite little person! :) You can mix this up with various fabric types. I've made some beautiful blankets with satin overlapping minky. Do remember when working with minky or satin or other slippery, stretchy fabrics, pinning or clipping is your friend, and walking foots help with layers!

Enjoy! Just keep swimming! :)

It's the Most WONDERFUL time of the year...........

BACK TO SCHOOL!!! Yes I LOVE back to school time! For the past two years Harrison has attended Head Start, which I was delighted in as I am a former Head Start teacher and firmly believe in the program. He is absolutely a better developed child because of Head Start. Many of his sensory issues have subsided due to his time in the classroom already. 

Naturally, I'm excited and nervous for my "baby" going off to kindergarten. I'm also excited for me. I have always LOVED back to school. I don't know what it is about the new supplies, the possibilities, the education, the joy and anticipation of a 'new year'. I actually been enjoying the preparation, the supply shopping, picking out his little bookbag, etc. I have no idea if he'll love school like I did, or come to hate it as his daddy did. Hopefully I can help mold him into a good student who does enjoy it and can help him learn what he wants to learn.

Yes, I am looking forward to some time alone. :) I do have Eli at home, but any mom will tell you the difference between 1 and 2 (3,4,5) kids is all the difference in the world. I enjoy that alone time with Eli because it gives him the same solo time Harrison received by being the first born. Eli also needs a lot more time with me so we can work on his therapies to keep him moving on kicking Autism's butt. 

Eli himself may start school at least part time in January when he turns 3, which I really look forward to because he absolutely needs to be around other kids so he can learn the social cues so absent with Autism. But until then, he and I will enjoy some solo time. :) I will substitute when Head Start needs, they know they can't be rid of me :) 

And if you need some nifty stuff for Back to School, then hop on over to my shops!! :) I have back to school ponytails for the girls at Mama's Little Monkeys, nap mat covers at Nap Mat Covers and even some badge reel ID Holders for your favorite teacher at Badge Reels.

Back to School Ponytails

Back to School  Badge Reel

Michael Miller Nap Mat Cover

Back to School RIBBON Clothespin Magnets

And hey, even if you're kids are ready for school or you homeschool, you still have to keep your house clean, right? So check out my lovely shop Micro Mops full of green, clean, and organizing items to keep your home healthy and happy!

Happy Schooling Everyone!!! :)

Amy

Feeling Dirty? Let MicroMops help you out!

In case you've not heard, I've opened up yet ANOTHER shop!!

But before you bust out laughing at me and my penchant for opening shops...in my defense, this is a partnership with my friend Dee of Stitches In Cotton :) We've been working together on my reusable swiffer wetjet pads and we brainstormed this little shop! We figured surely we aren't the only moms who need to save money and want to be kind to the earth at the same time! Thus MicroMops was born!

MicroMops is having our Grand Opening this weekend and we're ready to share some deals with you!! You can find a variety of eco friendly-budget friendly items at MicroMops. Swiffer pads for WetJet and Sweepers; Clothespin/Grocery Bag Holders, Altered clothespins, Clothespin Magnets, Dish Cloths, Dust Mitts, Cleaning Mixes, FREE Recipes and more!!

And to get ready for our Grand Opening, we're having a little contest! Check out our Facebook Page for our "Messiest Mess Contest." Share with us the nastiest, grodiest, messiest mess you've ever had to clean up. A panel of messy judges (men!) will read the entries and declare a winner! The winner will receive a $15.00 gift certificate to MicroMops so they can clean up their mess! :)


So we hope you'll come on over, check us out and share with your friends!!

~~Amy

Spotlight: Monsters!

Well this was going to be a super cool spotlight but Byhand.me isn't cooperating, so it'll just be a few of my fave monster inspired pieces!

Who doesn't love monsters!!?

Upcycled Monster Doll from TLCInspirations

 Dragon Lampwork Bead from Glasstastic Treasures

 

Zany Green Monster from Love to Stamp

Can I Keep It Monster Bag from RainbowSwirlz

Slime Monster Paper Cut by SuperCoolSpyClub

One Eyed Green Monster Patch by Jodie Flowers

Lemony Cute Little Clay Monster by Veganosaurus

Silly Monster Vinyl Wall Art by StephenEdwardGraphic

Who's your fave monster??

The Makings of a Craft Room

I am LOVING having my own sewing/craft room!! And the boys love sharing a room, so a win all around! I've gotten the room just about how I wanted it, so I thought I'd share. I know I love seeing others workspaces, so here's mine!

Mmmmm Fabric, lovely fabric....

Packaging/Inventory/Boring Business Stuff...oh and Hubs' 2 feet of space for his guitar and amp. I know, wife of the year award for me.

Bag O' Vinyl (for cricut)

Extra table for craft shows if need be, and in the room for workspace, papers, etc. Box of UFO's underneath the table.

Paper supplies, I swear its organized. Pretty serger thread..sooo pretty.

Actual Desk, again thread (I know things are all mixed up) but the rest if for cricut work.

Hiding under the desk is my serger in its box!

Ahhh, Mariah my sewing machine. I have decided her name is Mariah because she's a diva machine who likes to act up on occasion. Best part--sewing on my grandmother's old sewing desk! :)

Shelves I put up all by myself--no man required.

Last but not least---my first vinyl wall quote made on cricut.

So show me your space!!!

Operation Simplify 2010--WEEK ONE

I'm one week into my Operation Simplify. So far so good!!
I've created a schedule for me to keep things in line. I've only deviated slightly due to weather or children's needs! It is very helpful having a specific time to work with Eli and it helps remind me NOT to goof off on the computer!

For my goal of cooking I've been working on slow cooker, crock pot recipes.
This week I've tried a few and here's what I think:

Baked Potato Soup:
I loved it!! I shared some with my best friend who'd just had a baby, and my niece who was in the hospital with her baby with pneumonia! My husband didn't really like it but he's a wuss and doesn't like soup. The kids didn't like it because, well, they are uber picky!

Gumbo:
Okay while I greatly appreciate her effort, this recipe needs major work. First of all, it needs WAY more spices. Creole seasoning, salts, peppers, SOMETHING. Seeing as the blogger is NOT southern, it is totally understandable that this was left out. :) Also when I did it her way and put the rice in, it ended up being a gumbo mush. Like rice/gumbo/risotto. So I'm going to try it again but make the rice separate and put the gumbo OVER the rice just like you're SUPPOSED to do with gumbo. There is no roux required but I might try to do one also. Overall the taste was good...just needed a kick.

Overall I'm digging using the crockpot--when I actually do remember to turn it on, it works great! :) Now to train the hubs to clean it up every night, how come kitchens aren't self cleaning!

How is your Operation Simplify going??

~~Amy

It's Staycation Time baby!

Alrighty folks. This has been a long time coming--mental health break!! I have too many irons in the fire, too much craziness going on and my house and kids are falling down around me! The shops are stocked and self sufficient at the moment. Everything in them is ready to ship, so I won't be doing any customs, and I am taking a break to get my ducks in a row, reorganize my home and mind and focus my energies on where I want my business to go!!

I am also devoting more time to my Handmade Louisiana group and going to work on plans for that. So while I'm not going anywhere and I'm still open, I'll be spending noticeably less time on Blockheadradio, Twitter, Plurk, Cafemom and anywhere else I waste time online! My 'baby' goes back to school on the 17th and we have stuff to do for that.

If 48forLarry has taught me ANYTHING it is that life is short, times are tough and family is MOST important! I love you guys and will be back soon--hopefully redirected and happier! (Yes, I'm trying to redirect my snark for good)

In the meantime, this song sums it up for me right now:


Peace, love and chicken grease!
Amy

Too many Crafts, not enough time....

Seriously, I need mental help. I have got to stop thinking. I just want to do TOO many things! I gotta pick a craft and stick with it..but I know I can't, because I'll get bored! :) I sew awhile, get bored; soap awhile, get bored; flower pen make awhile, get bored. Then there is the fabric obsession..... shhhh.

And what do I go and do? Create a FOURTH Etsy shop and 2nd Artfire shop! DestashCity is my new shop to PURGE some of what I have because since I can't stop myself from buying new and cool fabric, I gotta get rid of what I got!! I've even taken to listing fabric on craigslist!! Thats when you KNOW you have a problem.

So I ask, what are YOU working on? I am working on:
Prep for neice's baby shower (yeah for girls!)
Laundry Detergent thanks to CosmicCleanBody for her unscented, uncolored CP soap!
Grocery Bag holder (for sewing group monthly project)
and listing stuff I made months ago I STILL haven't listed!! Oye, I know...

So what are you guys up to? Whatcha making new??

~~Amy

Soo, people CAN make a difference?

Huh. So the rumor is true...a group of people fighting for a common cause can make a difference? In this case so the cause was perhaps silly to come, our right as Etsy sellers to be found in google searches, but damnit we got heard. Etsy appears to have readjusted their meta tags and gave us back what is rightfully ours.

AND Etsy admin has admitted they need to adjust how they respond to sellers, communicate better and perhaps even take our thoughts into consideration. Read More Here.

Thank you Etsy, seriously. I may snark, I may whine. And while I admit, no Etsy is not my main selling venue anymore, I would like to keep my shops open and there is a lot I enjoy about the site. Thank you for being able to man up, admit you screwed up and fix it.

And my nose ended up NOT being cut off to spite my face..imagine that...

~~Amy

A Monkey, A Witchy and a Plurk Walk into a bar...

Not sure if you've taken note, but I have grown weary of keeping mum on certain activities online. I have decided I am done keeping quiet on situations I feel strongly about.

One such situation is my feelings for Etsy. I've been on the fence about them for awhile. I am debating my future on that venue. Now you know I am a venue whore and will try them all. Some I stay at, some I don't. (Please don't get me started on 1,000 Markets.)

Let me interject...if you sell on any venue I do not sell on, or a venue I have a problem with, keep in mind, that will NOT stop me from purchasing from you! (Okay well, maybe 1KM because I don't dig the Amazon Payments.) So I FULLY Support you selling on whatever venue you want to! Sell wherever you can!! Sell where you can make money!! I absolutely believe in that!

I however, am disillusioned with Etsy and tired. Tired of admins closing threads, tired of front page favoritism, tired of Etsy fails such as the SEO Meta Tag debacle, tired of the venue not listening to its sellers. NOne of this means I am tired of Etsy sellers (well maybe a few...) Etsy sellers are some of the greatest artisans around!

And of those artisans, a few have decided to join me in my protest.

Now one can argue that because I have multiple shops this protest won't really matter to me! That is likely true. I sell on Artfire as my main venue now. I do maintain two other Etsy shops, and I shall explain them. The flower pens shop is a unique niche that I basically just maintain. No more relisting. (Or listing of new items.) The soap shop is actually just for wholesale inquiries. If the soap sells, great. If not...guess what, it's on my Artfire shop too!

So yes, I guess technically this protest might not make one bit of difference for my 'main' Etsy shop. And isn't that sad?? Due to Etsy's practices, that shop won't get found ANYWAY, so will it really matter?

But I digress....here are the artisans willing to join in the protest.

agoodwitchtoo.etsy.com


Who can now be found at: http://www.artfire.com/users/thecoppercauldronsoaps










lalabug71.etsy.com

Who can now be found at:
http://www.artfire.com/users/LaDeDaCreations

















ceejaybags.etsy.com

Who Can Now Be Found at:

http://www.artfire.com/users/ceejaybags













elegancebymode.etsy.com

Who can now be found at:
http://www.artfire.com/users/Elegancebymode

So join us in this protest if you wish, it's okay if you don't!

I will support you no matter where you sell!


And many thanks to the artist that inspired this:
emcisaac.etsy.com


No, this probably won't make even a drop in the bucket of change. But it makes ME feel better and I am proud of the artisans who are pushing for change, no matter where or how they do it!

Want to sell with less of a headache? Just go to Artfire. You'll thank me later.

Amy, climbing down off my ladder so you can now beat me with baby seals.

Are you worth 12.00?

Well, I know I am! I am absolutely tickled that Artfire is indeed letting you lock in your 12.00 rate (my chatterbox begging worked!!) I was so upset at myself that I missed the 7.00 for life the last go round.
Soooooo, I am very happy to share that if you have not gotten verified on Artfire..NOW is your chance! I have not heard of a deadline on the date to get verified, but I highly suggest you check it out now!! You can click here to find out why you should join Artfire, but I'll also tell you MY two cents.. :)

1. Artfire has excellent customer service! They actually listen to you and take your opinions into account. Now that doesn't mean you'll get EVERYTHING you want, because no venue can please EVERY seller or buyer but they try really hard!
2. You do not have to have an account to purchase on Artfire. This helps you as a seller because your buyers who don't want to sign up for yet ANOTHER account online are more likely to purchase!
3. RANDOM SEARCHES!! These are the BOMB! Now, instead of wasting money relisting thanks to AF's random searches, your stuff can easily be found. Search babies and you may be on the front page, you may be on the 6th, 15th or 100th...either way, it's random every time, so you DO have a chance of being on the front page of your category!! This is especially helpful if you belong to a category that is very popular (i.e jewelry).
   
4. Fuzion Studios. Really, really cool. Customization like you would have on a website, colors, html codes, it's beautiful. Really beautiful!
5. ONE PAGE LISTING. I think this is my fave feature. Hands down!
6. Market Hub--you can easily link to all your shops, blogs, social networking sites right from your studio. Really cool.
   
7. Submitting to Vote Handmade and Twitter right from item listings! This is really handy and neat for promoting yourself and paying it forward and promoting other sellers!

These are just the tip of the iceberg!

So if you are ready to take the leap, I say go for it! I used to spend way more than 12.00 on Etsy and although I am not LEAVING Etsy, I have to say I'm falling in love with Artfire more and more every day!! I love that I know EXACTLY how much I'll spend! And imagine, if you are a seller with very high cost items (i.e. jewelry, woodworking, etc) and your item is say, 200.00...you are NOT going to pay 3% of that item! That is great!

So if you are ready, click here to sign up, and get started.

ANNNNNND are you ready??

EVERYONE that signs up using my referral will get a free bar of my SLS Free Soap OR a 5.00 gift certificate to my Artfire Shop!! Hey, you can't beat that!

Here's to a Relaxing Summer!

Hello all! I just wanted to say thanks to anyone who takes the time to read my blog! I appreciate your time spent, friendship and attention! **Strokes own feathers...**

My son is almost out of preschool for the summer so I may be less active online for a few months. As usual I have several projects...usual stalking for Blockhead Radio, my new intern position with Chris Huff and of course the shops! I will not be renewing much on the MLM Etsy Shop, but will keep renewing Fleur De Ink and have my new soap shop open, Amelia Amos Soaps! That one is more for me to refer people to for wholesale inquiries so it doesn't take much attention! New items will be mostly listed on my Artfire shop because I am really digging how AF works!

I also am staying busy with Handmade Louisiana my non profit group for artisans and musicians in and around Louisiana. It gives me an excuse to go to local concerts (Benjy Davis Project in June..Can't WAIT!) You really must check out our little blog at the link above and please give some love to Merry of Cheeseandchocolate because she works her tookus off on the group!

Throw into that mix my local wholesale sale! You can now find some of my items at the Education Station in Slidell, LA!! Right now you can get my chalk mats, crayons, and crayon rolls. Around late July you'll be able to get my nap mat covers (which will require me to start sewing them mid June, actually.) I have a TON of adorable prints and styles to choose from! If you aren't in this area, no worries, I'll have them in my Artfire shop as well!

And of course, there is the other new project I've undertaken...making sock monkeys. First I want say, I both curse and love two shops for feeding my monkey obsession and encouraging me! Elegant Hobbies and HoffeeandaNuffin are two awesome shops for sock monkeys and they were very kind in encouraging me to go ahead and try them! (They like to tease me with their new monkeys too.....naughty naughty monkey makers!) They are right, they are SOOOOOOO darn fun. I have a sewing to-do list a mile long including a stack of mama cloth that is cut out for my testers from Diaperswappers, but the monkeys have distracted me! :) I made Harrison one he promptly named Gecko (could have been the huge button eyes) and I just finished a baby monkey for my lovely pregnant neice. I'll put up the pics ASAP! :) I keep organizing fabric and 'need to sew' piles but they keep growing! Throw in the soap obsession and Im in trouble. Countdown is on til Eli can share a room with Harrison and I can have a whole room for sewing/soaping...drooooool....

So I love you guys and if I am not around as much, it is because I'm spending time with the monkeys I TRULY loves best, my boys, and am working on things behind the scenes! I hope everyone has a fantastic summer, and gets their creative mojo out and moving!! :)

~~Amy

Let's Go to the Movies

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Happy April!

Okay, so I don't really DO April Fool's, but I thought I'd say happy April everyone! May you see pretty flowers, nice showers and more blessings than you can handle!! :)

And of course, don't miss Mom's Cafe tonight at 9 pm Eastern. :)
www.blockheadradiolive.com :)

~~Amy