Elite Art for the elite at heart.

It is important to show the world the charm of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one artist at a time. Today I feature Carvel Country Soaps from Alberta, Canada. Below you can find her interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

I remember as a child, being no more than 6 or 7, helping my mom's friend sew doll clothes for my cabbage patch kids. I remember being thrilled to choose the materials for each outfit from her scraps and then see those scraps become something. It was very fascinating for me.

2. What are some of your favorite past times?

When I am not making soaps and things, I enjoy reading, golfing, curling, and scrapbooking.

3. What do you specialize in?


I specialize in handmade, paraben free bath and body products.

4. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

Let's face it, those of us with shops on Etsy are there to sell, I saw opening up my shop as a way to get my products more exposure. The friendships and daily chats are an added bonus, I've met so many fantastic people because of Etsy.

5. How did you choose your shop name?

Carvel Country Soapworks- I live in a rural setting near the hamlet of Carvel & I make soap and other goodies. I love my shop name, it really ties everything together.

6. What are your hopes for the future?

Over the past few years I have seen tremendous growth in Carvel Country Soapworks both locally and on Etsy & I hope this trend continues. I am hoping to expand my product lines as well as add additional wholesale accounts.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

I love custom orders! I offer a number of fragrances and colors and will gladly put custom orders together. I have worked with a number of customers for various events such as baby showers, weddings, birthdays as well.

8. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

Bright, Spacious, my escape.

You can visit Carvel Country Soaps' Etsy Shop here:

http://www.carvelcountrysoaps.etsy.com

And you can send Krysta a message via the Etsy Convo system or an email to soapworks@cruzinternet.com

Krysta is also offering a 10% discount for my blog readers! Just enter the promotion code: "BLOG" in the comments to seller at checkout. Just in time for the upcoming holidays! It is not too early to buy your loved ones gifts - and you can't beat handmade either!

Featured Items:

JUMBO Crayon Soap Set
Coconut-Lemongrass Bath and Body Bar
JUMBO Goat Milk Soap Bar

All available at http://www.carvelcountrysoaps.etsy.com

Thank you so much for reading!

-
Christina
__1337 Art

I just wanted to share this nice feature from one of my customers, Katie:

http://inmyownlittleuniverse.blogspot.com/2009/09/etsy-appreciation-photos.html

I appreciate each and every one of you for your support in my growing business.

Thank you!

I conducted a small survey with 160 participants regarding when they start shopping for Christmas gifts. If you take a look at this chart you'll notice that a majority wait until November and December.

These results have me thinking about my three shops (I recently opened one on Madeitmyself) and how to prepare them for the upcoming Christmas season.

I want over 200 items in my Etsy Shop, over 150 in my Artfire Shop, and at least 100 in my Madeitmyself Shop.

Since the times are slow I need to take this time to really evaluate my shops, my items, my supplies, etc. to determine what steps I need to take to make this season a successful one. My first step, obviously, is to use this down time to create new designs. Step two: organize my studio. I'm not going to fret and worry about low views and sales at this point, and as a result I have been away from the Internet and all things social networking for the last couple of weeks.

After my Honeymoon/Vacation next month I'm going to look over my design/new idea books and hoard on supplies in August so I can spend August and September sitting in the middle of my bead mess and create until my fingers threaten to stop working. Until then I'm going to utilize the supplies I currently have and work hard to keep my shops inventory stocked (and update my blog more often!)

Thank you very much for reading. I hope this chart is helpful to your business. And good luck this holiday season!

-
Christina
1337 Art

It's getting closer to Father's Day, and I've also just been meaning to contribute to my men's jewelry and accessory inventory for quite some time. I have some designs sketched out in my notebook, and I've already ordered the necessary supplies. I hope to be adding more men's items as early as next week with the focus being on necklaces.

If you would like something custom made for your father, grandfather, boyfriend, husband, or any other man in your life please feel free to email me at 1337art@gmail.com I would love to work with you to create something he will cherish.

Thank you so much for reading!!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, stud earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

I have been spending almost all of my spare time either trying to relax after a long week at work or working on new items for my shops. What I thought I knew about time management has seem to have gone out the window, and I haven't felt like I've had the time to create enough original pieces.

I've been focusing on stud earrings because I do love them, and a lot of people like them too.

I am having a real problem trying to clean up (as well as organize) my home studio so I can be most productive with my off time.

These next few days I'm going to try very hard to make a noticeable effort to clean things up. If you have any tips please feel free to post them! And if I pick anything up I'll be sure to pass the tips on to you.

Thank you so much for reading!!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, stud earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

In honor of Mother's Day I have decided to offer a free gift to my customers.

You can either:

Buy two pairs of stud earrings get one pair of 7mm round stud earrings in crystal clear or jet black Swarovski Crystal free!

Or you can:

Spend $10 or more (before shipping) and get a pair of crystal clear or jet black 7mm round stud earrings free!

There is a limit of one free pair of stud earrings per order.

****
You can get three pairs of handmade stud earrings for as low as $8! I have a variety of other stud earrings in sterling silver, surgical steel, shell, aluminum, gemstone, glass, and more! Prices will vary.
****

The free gift will be mailed out in its own black cotton filled box tied with a pink ribbon. You can give this to your mother on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 10th) or you can keep it for yourself.

This free gift promotion is available in both of my shops:

http://1337art.etsy.com
http://1337art.artfire.com

Thank you so much for reading!!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

The sweet elixir. Nothing beats the smell of fresh coffee brewing in the morning before you trudge off to work. Nothing brings coworkers together quite like coffee either. It's like a universal language with the words being "friendship" and "mmm..."

I've been drinking it since I was 12, and since then I have turned many people onto it. Even after so many mornings, afternoons, evenings, and nights I am always awe stricken when this beautiful liquid touches my tongue.

It's flavor and stimulating effects are like a recipe for inspiration. It heightens my creativity, and it is also relaxing. I don't drink coffee for the caffeine. I drink it for the taste - for the experience.

And off I go. To see if I can catch my favorite barista at the local coffee shop. Enjoy your day and your coffee!

Featured Product: Coffee Addiction Bookmark - available at my shop:

http://1337art.etsy.com

See Also: My How to Make a White Chocolate Mocha at Home post.

Thank you so much for reading!!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

It is important to show the world the charm of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one artist at a time.

Today I feature kickinskreations from Ellenville, New York. She makes beautiful candles in the shapes of baked goods, alcoholic beverages, and so much more. Each one looks good enough to eat.

Below you can find her interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

I first started out making soap.


2. What are some of your favorite past times?

I love to create new candles, also line dancing.


3. What do you specialize in?

I don't really have one area, but I prefer to make the candy dishes.

4. What made you decide to open up a shop on Artfire?

I read up on it and looked at the shops, seems like a great way to get my items out there.

5. How did you choose your shop name?

My name came from my yahoo name "kickin" which in turn came from my line dancing.

6. What are your hopes for the future?

I would like to have my store be a success and in turn make my family's life all the more better.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

If there is something a person wants and I am able to make it , sure I would.

8. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

My kitchen.

9. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Life sometimes throws curves, I needed to find something to help me get around that curve and kickinskreations is helping me do so.

You can visit kickinskreations studio:

http://kickinskreations.artfire.com

and you can email directly at thisthatanthensome@yahoo.com


Thank you so much for reading!!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

Artfire.com is a community dedicated to buying and selling. Welcome to Artfire, the premier online marketplace for handmade products designed by artisans around the globe. Our free community is designed for artisans to buy and sell their works, while celebrating unique handmade items and designs.

Arfire offers member guilds where people with similar interests can join and participate in promoting each other and Artfire. One of the guilds I am apart of, the Artfire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Shops, is currently running a Spring Cleaning & Treasure Hunt Event. Basically all active shops have a special "Spring Cleaning" section that offers discounts on select items.

To find active AJDJSS shops, use this tag in the Artfire.com search: ajdjss guild

The event began on April 17th, and it is running through May 1st.

Please follow the link below to view my Artfire Studio and be sure to click on the "Spring Cleaning" section to see great deals on great items handcrafted by me.

http://1337art.artfire.com

For more information about this event as well as the Treasure Hunt please visit the official AJDJSS blog below:

We are also open to new members. You can find our group on Artfire below:

Artfire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Shops Guild

Thank you so much for reading!!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Live Journal / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

It is important to show the world the charms of handcrafted items. Today I feature SouthernGirlFlorals from Victoria, Texas.

You can read her interview below:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

My first memory of crafting has to be helping my Mom and Grandma decorate Christmas wreaths at my Grandma's house when I was a little girl.

2. What are some of your favorite past times?

I love taking dance lessons with my husband. We first started right before our wedding, but now three years later, we have taken swing lessons and also two-step lessons. It is so much fun and also a great workout. We also go to a professional football game each year. We pick a different city each time.

3. What do you specialize in?

I specialize in front door wreaths mainly. I make them using a grapevine base and artificial flowers. I do occasionally make swags and floral arrangements though.

4. What made you decide to open up a shop on Etsy?

I heard about Etsy from my sister-in-law. I was selling wreaths on Ebay before that, but I decided to check out Etsy. It just seems more like a family, not so impersonal.

5. How did you choose your shop name?

(Southern) because I'm from Texas and proud of it! I also wanted something that sounded youthful (Girl)(I am in my twenties). And then (Florals) because I wanted people to know what I sold by looking at my name - Southern Girl Florals.

6. What are your hopes for the future?

I hope to continue to sell my wreaths to very happy customers. And I just want to have fun doing it!

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

I love custom orders! Those turn out to be some of my favorite wreaths. It is great because there is a part of the customer in those wreaths, whether it be the color choices or the theme, they get to put their own input into the creation.

8. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

My living room! In our new house I will have my own craft room, but until then I have to make due.

9. Is there anything else you would like to add?

I want to thank all of my customers for all of their business and also their kind words. Without them, none of this would be possible.

You can contact SouthernGirlFlorals directly from her Etsy Shop:

http://southerngirlflorals.etsy.com

Thank you so much for reading!!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

Sit down on the first of every month and do the "book work" whether it's uploading your PayPal transactions into a spreadsheet, compiling your invoices and receipts, and/or charting your business income. Whatever you find yourself scrambling to put together for your accountant every April 14th do it once a month. This will help you stay in control of your finances and allow you to breathe without the assistance of a paper bag. You may also find a little bit of extra money to splurge on new supplies.

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]

Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

One of my recent goals was to have 200 items for sale at my Etsy Shop. Last week I had 88 items, and as of right now I am up to 114. I finally found the time to sit down and take pictures of everything that I have had lying around. I still have a lot of items to list, however, I don't want to do it all at once.

So far I have listed rose hair pins, gemstone potion necklaces, earring studs in both surgical steel and sterling silver, zipper pulls, and a few other things. Please feel free to check them out:

http://1337art.etsy.com

Thank you so much for reading. I hope you are having a great Easter weekend!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]
Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

I justed wanted to leave a quick note that I started a Facebook Fan Page for __1337art. Please feel free to check it out and become a fan:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/1337-Art/68434904137

Thank you!

Here's hoping this idea will help tame your bead stash, your buttons, your craft supplies, and the list goes on!

You can find this shoebox container (w/lid) at Walmart and Target for about $0.97 a piece.

I found these jello shot cups w/lids on Amazon.com for about $15 after shipping (for a pack of 100.) Etsy and Artfire have the occasional supply listing for these as well. Search for "portion cup" under the supplies section.

I've seen some people use these portion cups on shelving. For now I keep them in these plastic shoe box containers until my spare desk is cleared off.

I hope this is helpful. Good luck with trying to tame your supplies!

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]
Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

Natural beauty combined with metal create a ring of unique proportions.

A classy way to add a touch of sophistication to your wardrobe; a stunning Black Onyx Gemstone (release of negative emotions, stress control) and Snowflake Obsidian (purity stone, balances mind, body, and spirit.)

The gemstone is approximately 10mm x 8mm, and the rings are adjustable to fit most sizes.

Please note that because gemstones are natural each your ring will be completely unique as no two will have the same coloring and pattern. The ring you receive might not look exactly as pictured. Your understanding is appreciated.

Available for a limited time – affordable fashion at its finest.

You can get these gothic inspired rings at my shops:

http://1337art.etsy.com
http://1337art.artfire.com

Thank you so much for reading.

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]
Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

YOU KNOW YOU’RE A BEADER WHEN ~ TOP 10 LIST

1. An exciting night for you means organizing your massive collection.
2. You have more pairs of pliers than your husband does.
3. The first thing you do while on vacation is flip through the yellow pages to find a bead shop to buy more beads, and you already have over 200 lbs. sitting at home!
4. You count beads and stitches instead of sheep to fall asleep at night.
5. Beading stores know you by your first name, and have your credit card number on file.
6. Every conceivable surface in your home , including your pets, is covered with finished jewelry, multiple beading projects, new beads not yet put away, beads on display, and beaded décor.
7. Your pantry and cupboards have more beads than food in them!
8. Long gone are the cute little bead storage containers. Jumbo sized Costco toolboxes that are full to overflowing, but you still have beads everywhere!
9. You justify buying more beads with one-liners like; “My beading addiction is healthier than smoking” or, “Beads won’t ruin my diet because they don’t have calories.”
10. Your family can’t remember the last time they ate at the kitchen table, which is known as no man’s land under certain death if they dump over your bead board or cups of beads.

Beadaholics Anonymous 12 Step Program

1. I will not stuff beads in every corner of my house.
2. I will not keep nine beading projects going at one time.
3. I will not pick up more beads when I have a tonne at home.
4. I will not let my beading area look like a condemned area.
5. I will not relegate the kitchen table to my beading projects.
6. I will not attend bead shows just to pick up more beads.
7. I will not stock up on more beading supplies just because they are on sale.
8. I will not go off on a tangent when anyone mentions that little word "import".
9. I will not let my beading distract me from fixing dinner.
10. I will not stay up all night beading.
11. I will not buy every bead magazine I see.
12. I will not make promises I cannot keep.

Thank you so much for reading! I found this and thought I would share.

-Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.]
Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:
Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

It is important to show the world the charms of handcrafted items, and I plan to do this one artist at a time. Today I feature impressionart. Below you can find her interview:

1. What is the first memory of crafting that you can recall?

I made a paper chain in Kindergarten and from then on I was always creating things. When I took Home Ec in the 9^th grade, I learned some sewing. Then I taught myself to knit and to crochet. In my twenties, I was making clothes for myself and the whole family.

2. What are some of your favorite past times?

I enjoy hiking our National Park System, I’m a Disney freak, and cruising is the very best.

3. What do you specialize in?

Right now, I am a jewelry artist specializing in one-of-a-kind, original designs. I like to create pieces to match outfits and individual tastes. I also spend an equal amount of time and effort in knitting and crocheting fashion scarves. I really enjoy trying new materials.

4. What made you decide to open up a shop on Artfire?

I was looking for a website to post a few creations without paying a listing fee. I liked the ‘feel’ of ArtFire and the ease of creating an online presence.


5. How did you choose your shop name?

I was already using ‘impression art’ on twitter and had an email address, so it was a natural extension. I like the saying ‘making a good first impression’ and am fond of impressionist painters.


6. What are your hopes for the future?

I want to make a living [earn an income] and work from home for the rest of my life.

7. How do you feel about custom orders?

Custom orders are the best. You know you are giving the person exactly what they want. I always think about who will be wearing what I am creating. I like to put some TLC into every stitch.

8. Try to sum up your workspace in as few words as possible.

I have a 6 ft jewelry table in my bedroom and I knit and crochet in bed.

9. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Creating beautiful art pieces isn’t really work, it’s what you have to do.

Please feel free to check out impressionart's Artfire Studio for upcoming items:

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

And also check out her blog:

http://impressionart.wordpress.com/

You can contact impressionart:

via email at impressionartphoto@yahoo.com or phone 561-798-9733

Thank you so much for reading.

-
Christina
CM Designs dba 1337 Art
[Elite Art for the elite at heart.] Featuring jewelry for men and women, awareness items, bookmarks, brooches, cards, cell phone charms, clip on earrings, cuff links, hair accessories, wine charms, and more!

You can also find _1337 Art on:

Twitter / Myspace / Deviant Art / Etsy / Artfire

No, that isn't a joke. I am offering a special sale in my Etsy and Artfire shops. When you purchase one item, you get a second item half off! (*of equal or lesser value only)

Mother's Day is just around the corner - what a great way to plan ahead!

You can visit my Etsy shop here:
http://1337art.etsy.com

You can visit my Artfire shop here:
http://1337art.artfire.com

And you don't need to sign up for an account with Artfire in order to make a purchase.

Happy April Fool's Day, and happy shopping!