Wednesday Welcome: WhimsiKalWood-Art

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to WhimsiKalWood-Art of Philadelphia. By using mainly recycled wood, shop owner Diane Berger is doing her part to help the earth. All of her paintings are original designs. Check her shop to find wall art, shelves, and more for your home.

Cup Cozies are ON SALE

Autumn is here and that means cooler weather, football, pretty leaves, pumpkin pie, and the dreaded onset of the holiday shopping season. I realize that some of you are organized enough to have already made your lists or even started your shopping. Well goody for you.
The rest of us are just starting to think about what to get for those hard-to-buy-for people on our lists like co-workers, piano teachers, Sunday school teachers, hair stylists, and the like. You know, the people you care about enough to want to give a gift but that you don't know well enough to know what they'd like. My solution is simple: Eco Friendly Reusable Cup Cozies for everyone! Just wrap one up with a gift card to a local coffee shop or a package of flavored teas and you're all set. Easy and affordable, thoughtful but not TOO personal.
And to make this great idea even better, the cup cozies in my shop are now on sale: Buy 3 Get 1 Free. There are lots of designs to choose from so have fun shopping! Here are just a few:

Wednesday Welcome: GKJ Designs

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to GKJ Designs of Seattle. Shop owner Gary is an opal cutter and believes "that the fire and color found in precious opal express more than can be said in words. It is truly one of nature’s most beautiful gems." I have to agree, and not just because the opal is my birthstone. Here are a few of his creations:

Falling For Handmade Craft Show is Saturday!

Black Cat Weekend 10/16 & 10/17 in Loudoun County, VA

Adopt a Black Cat October 16-17
October 6, 2010 – Waterford, VA – The Loudoun County Animal Shelter is looking to bring some good luck to homeless black cats during the “Black Cat Weekend,” October 16-17.
During the “Black Cat Weekend”, October 16-17, all black cats adopted from the Loudoun County Animal Shelter will be spayed/neutered for free (if necessary). That means that kittens under 6 months of age will have a $40 adoption fee, all cats ages 6 months to 7 years will have be $20, and all cats over 7 years will only be $10.
Black cats are the least likely to be adopted from shelters, as their red, gray, and tabby cousins are often more visually appealing to potential adopters. And persistent myths about black cats bringing bad luck sometimes make families choose another kitty to add to the family. Of course the “unlucky” black cat is just a superstition – in fact, in Europe black cats are considered to bring good luck, while white cats are thought to be the unlucky ones.
Black cats have also fallen victim to urban legends, with many animal shelters restricting their adoption in October due to concerns about the adopter’s true intentions. However, this myth was debunked long ago by data and scientific studies that show black cats are not at risk during this time, according to a recent article by the New York Post. Black cats may have the luck of genetics on their side as well – research has shown that the gene for melanism, which makes their fur black, may be able to protect against certain viruses or bacteria, making them more resistant to disease than their lighter colored counterparts.
Cats of all colors are reported to be good for their owner’s health as well – according to a study from the University of Minnesota, cat owners are 40% less likely to suffer from a heart attack or stroke than non cat owners.
October is the perfect time to find a new feline friend – and perhaps change the luck of one of the wonderful black cats waiting for a new home! The Loudoun County Animal Shelter has lots of black cats and kittens available for adoption – just visit www.loudoun.gov/animals to see them online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Loudoun County Animal Shelter is located at 39820 Charles Town Pike, Waterford, VA 20197. For more information or directions visit www.loudoun.gov/animals.

Wednesday Welcome: Sylwia Glass Art

Each week I'm using Etsy's Pounce feature in order to discover new items "from undiscovered shops waiting for their first sale" as the Etsy site states. This week's welcome is extended to Sylwia Glass Art of Escondido, CA. Each item in this shop is designed and hand painted by the artist. These are beautiful when placed near a window in bright light or with a candle inside!

Falling For Handmade Craft Show 10/16 in MD

Join me and many of my fellow CREST members for our first annual Falling For Handmade Craft Fair!
Hope to see you there :)