Thanksgiving Jokes

With a sometimes stressful holiday approaching, I thought we all could use a good laugh. I've complied a few Thanksgiving jokes below to keep us all in good cheer.

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THE GOOD NAPKINS The joys of having girls.
My mother taught me to read when I was four years old (her first mistake).

One day I was in the bathroom and noticed one of the cabinet doors was ajar. I read the box in the cabinet. I then asked my mother why she was keeping 'napkins' in the bathroom. Didn't they belong in the kitchen? Not wanting to burden me with unnecessary facts, she told me that those were for 'special occasions' (her second mistake).

Now fast forward a few months.... It's Thanksgiving Day, and my folks are leaving to pick up my uncle and his wife for dinner. Mom had assignments for all of us while they were gone. Mine was to set the table. When they returned, my uncle came in first and immediately burst into laughter. Next came his wife who gasped, then began giggling. Next came my father, who roared with laughter. Then came Mom, who almost died of embarrassment when she saw each place setting on the table with a 'special occasion' Kotex napkin at each plate, with the fork carefully arranged on top. I had even tucked the little tail in so they didn't hang off the edge!!

My mother asked me why I used these and, of course, my response sent the other adults into further fits of laughter. 'But, Mom, you said they were for special occasions!!!'

Pass this on to your girlfriends who need a good laugh or anyone who has a daughter! Life is too short for drama and petty things, so for heavens sake, use the good napkins whenever you can!
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Why did the indian chief wear so many feathers?

To keep his wig-wam

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What did the mother turkey say to her disobedient children?

If your father could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy.

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What do you call the feathers on a turkey?

Turkey feathers, duh.

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If april showers bring may flowers, what do may flowers bring?

pilgrims

Giveaway from AllOverArt

All Over Art is having a giveaway on her blog. You can visit her blog here.

All Over Art has many great paintings and hand painted pendants. You really should check out her shop!

Custom Cupcakes

I just listed on my shop announcement my Christmas deadline. Please get your cupcake orders in by Nov. 21st in order to make sure that I have time to do them.

I have listed a custom cupcake order which you can find here: Custom Cupcake Order - Large

If you would like another size, please contact me.

Buy a large cupcake by Nov. 7th and receive a free small cupcake purse!

Cupcake Sale/Giveaway

I am running a short sale/giveaway on my cupcake purses. Buy a large cupcake purse, get one small cupcake purse for free!

Information on discount:
Only one free cupcake per person. Small cupcake may or may not be customizable; this depends on availability. Purchase must be made between 11/3 & 11/7. Sale ends 11/7 at 11:59pm eastern time. Custom orders are eligible for free small cupcake purse giveaway. Only one free cupcake per person.

$10 Gift Certificate Giveaway

I forgot to post about this the other day. Love Etsy Feedback has featured my shop and my giveaway. I am giving away a $10 gift certificate to my shop http://www.ebspider.etsy.com

Go here to enter: http://loveetsyfeedback.blogspot.com/2008/10/feature-65-win-10-gift-certificate.html

A Bakery Full of Cupcakes

My newest obsession is cupcakes! I have created cupcake purses and listed a few in my Etsy shop. These are just a few of the cupcake themed items that I have in mind. Stay tuned for more calorie-free goodness!

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If you would like a custom cupcake, feel free to contact me.

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If you would like to join my mailing list to receive coupons and updates about my shop, send me a convo on Etsy. http://ebspider.etsy.com

Featured Again - YAY

I have been featured on this blog today: http://www.apunkincardcompanyblog.com/

It's a feature called "In Their Own Words." I didn't do an interview, I simply just wrote up a short paragraph about my business and myself. I think it turned out well.

Please go comment on that blog and show me some support! Thanks.

Panic Mode is Setting In

HOLY COW! I have a craft show tomorrow and I don't have everything done. I'm about to hyperventilate!

I still have to do all of the following:

1. Price everything. (About half of my stuff is priced.)
2. Make sure fabric labels are on just about everything (They won't go on the tube scarves.)
3. Make signs for booth.
4. Make freebie treat bags for kids.

There are tons of other things on my list too. But, these are the main things. Plus I have to try to find some of those tablecloth clips/clamps to hold the tablecloth onto my tables.

I just may have a nervous breakdown by the end of the day. Please send me pixie dust, because magic is the only way I am going to get everything done!!!

I've been featured again!

I logged into Etsy today to find a convo from someone, letting me know I was featured on their site.

My Queen Elizabeth Earrings are featured here: http://craftykinoko.typepad.com/


I always get so excited when someone features me. I need all the exposure I can get!

Destashing My Stuff

Since sales are slow on handmade items, I am trying to destash some things to get a little extra money.

Yesterday I listed this cotton cloth. It's a yard and a half of tropical pink-ness. Exact dimensions in inches and centimeters are provided on the listing description, which can be found here. You can also click on the photo to go to the listing.

My Newsletter

I am in a Promotion-Crazy mood lately. I have done just about everything I can think of to drum up some business... well except one thing.

It occured to me that I needed to create a newsletter. So, the other day, I did just that.

The first newsletter is pretty simple. It explains what to look for in upcoming newsletters, has some info about me, updates about my shop, and it lists a few upcoming items that will be available in my shop. It also has a special sweepstakes, available only to my subscribers!!!

If you would like to sign up for my newsletter, please convo me on Etsy, or comment on this post saying you would like to join.

Craft Show Coming Up

I'm doing a craft show in October (my first one in years) and I'm on a desperate search for some tablecloths. I can't decide what color I want. I may do white on the bottom and add a piece of blue, pink, or green cloth on the top for a splash of color. I want it to be eye catching.

I also have to create a sign for my booth. I want to do a handmade sign because I think that adds a nice touch to your handmade craft booth. It shows you are really into handmade.

I'm also hoping to get some pvc pipe to raise my tables, away from cleptos and little cotton candy covered hands, haha. Plus I really think it will make my items and booth stand out more. I'm learned a lot since the last show I did.

I'll keep my blog update with what I decide to do.

I am finally finished!

It took me a month to finish this blanket (about 63 hours total). This was a custom order for a friend. It is a Dallas Cowboys blanket. I am so happy with the way it turned out.

Check out my new fabric labels in the pictures below. I got them from JennifersJewels. Fantastic labels at great prices!

I love the way the three layered star turned out. (I must admit stitching the star on the blanket is the hardest part. I tried very carefully not to show any thread on the opposite side).

Busy Busy Me!

I realize that I have not blogged in a while, so I thought I would update everyone on my life.

For the past week I have been working on a custom afghan order - a Dallas Cowboys blanket with an handstitched felt star, similar to my Blooms and Stripes Blanket

Last week, hubby and I took our daugther (almost 15 months old) to the zoo for the first time. She had a blast! Her favorite part of the trip was the aquarium. Now we're on a search for local aquariums, haha.

Since I blogged last, I am now a Co-Administrator for the Amazing Carolina Etsians Team. We are a group of North Carolina Etsy sellers who are promotion crazy and very friendly. It's a great team, please contact me about joining if you live in NC.

I'm getting ready for a craft show in October at a local festival. I have tons of things to sale! I just have to get some things to dress up my booth.

I'm having a sale through the month of September- Free shipping on orders of $40 or more! Please check out my shop by clicking on the orange Etsy circle above. Thanks!

Featured Again! Yay!

I have been featured again!

Winklepots was kind enough to feature me on her blog. I had filled out some questions a few weeks ago, and I completely forgot about it until she convo'ed me today.

Winklepots Blog

I'm so excited!




I haven't been able to list very many things lately because I've been super busy making promos and doing some "spring" cleaning around the house. I'm desperately trying to get my craft room in order so my projects won't keep spilling into other rooms!

Right now I'm off to take some pictures and clean some more. I'll blog tomorrow with pics of my promos, hopefully.

PoshDots

This week's featured artist is: Posh Dots

What is your name? Becky

What all do you make & what is your specialty? I love to do most anything ralted to arts and crafts...sewing, beading, painting, paper products, ceramics, collage. You name it, I've probably done it! My specialty is custom hand painted children's decor, especially wooden letters.

How did you get into what you do? I was expecting my daughter three years ago and wanted letters for her room. But, her name is 11 letters long and I could not affford any that I saw on-line. My oldest son was peeking over my shoulder one day when I was "shopping". I commented that I loved the letters, but could not afford them. He says, "well, you can buy them at Wal-Mart in the craft department." DUH! Off we went to get them. Since then, I have found a wonderful crafter near by that cuts the letters for me, offering a wide variety of fonts and sizes. The rest is history!

What item in your shop is your favorite, and why? Ironically, my favorite piece is not one of my names. It is a piece that I did in January 2007. The description gives an explanation. I posted it on an on-line support group that I belong to and it spread like wildfire! I've probably sold/made close to 80 pieces like it. It was the first time in my life that I really felt like an artist and motivate me to keep going.

What are your goals in creating your items? Right now, my goal is to keep up with orders, LOL! Complete one name a day. :)

Anything else you would like people to know about you or your items? I am a perfectionist. I have to love to finished product before the custome sees it. Original desings are my specialty. Give me an idea and I'm off and running! Esty has been such a wonderful place to meet wonderful people. I'm always amazed at the connections I have with my customers. It is such a joy to create custom work.

If you like the catepillar art above, you can find it on Becky's other shop at: BSBCreations

Shopping for the Business

After tons of searching, I have finally found something easy to make that will make a good freebie to give away as a promo. I found these little wooden shapes that I'm embellishing with paint markers. I plan to put them on pinbacks and cliping them to business cards. Some of them are even spiders!

I also bought some pink tissue paper to wrap future purchases in. I know, not all women like pink, but like it or not, it's the colors of my shop right now. It's also the color of my business cards.

Finally, I bought a black mess trash can that I plan to turn upside down to use as an earring display for a future craft show. I got the tip from a blog or a forum thread, I can't remember which.


I still need to get some things:

• Cardstock to make item tags
• Spider Stamp for item tags

I would blog more tonight, but after all that shopping and then going to dinner with hubby and a very sleepy/ill-tempered baby, I am exhausted. I need some sleep! ZZzzZzzzzZZzz

Introducing Friday Finds!

From now on, if my 13 month old permits me to that is, I'll be featuring individual items from Etsy sellers on Fridays.


Here are the first two!

This piece of jewelry is from Fig Tree Jewelry

This is a hand stamped sterling silver round on top of a turquoise round. All of this on a sterling silver chain.

I love the message on this necklace. As a mom, I definitely agree with it. The journey is terrifying at first, but then once you get into it, it's so rewarding.

This necklace is from Yana Designs

This necklace is made of plastic buttons, glass pearls, and seed beads. All of this is on silver plated chain.

I love button jewelry. It's my newest obsession. I love how she put extra beads with these buttons. It gives it something extra. I love the oranges too, it's so summery.

Please visit these two wonderful shops and look at their work. There is more to be found!

New Earrings!

I am in love with these earrings. I had to stash away enough supplies to make myself a pair too.

I also listed some Christmas Ornaments and a Fall Scarf. Stores are putting out their winter stuff now so I figured I would start too!

I've been featured!

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My first feature on a blog has finally come! SplashesofColor has an all Etsy blog and I am the first to be featured!

Check it out: Wonderful World of Etsy

Blooms and Stripes Blanket

Here is my latest listing. It was a casual project that I worked on, off and on, for three and a half years. Not sure how much actual time was put into this blanket, but I know it's a lot. I'm so happy with it.

After finishing it, I though it needed something else. I then created a felt flower for it. Two plastic, pink, flower buttons top off the green flower. The green flower is handstitched (and glued) to the pink flower with pink embroidery floss. The pink flower was then glued and handstitched to the blanket with green embroidery floss.

The entire blanket measures 69 inches long by 52 inches wide (before washing). I measured it while the stripes were vertical.

I can only hope that I find a good owner for this blanket. Wow I'm treating it like a pet, haha. But I just hope someone else falls in love with this blanket like I have. I have no use for it though since it doesn't even match my daughter's room. It's very warm and soft and incredibly well made. You will not be disappointed if you decide to purchase this blanket!

Click here to view this item: Blooms and Stripes Blanket

AndreaBaker

This week's featured artist is: AndreaBaker

What is your name?

Andrea Baker

What all do you make & what is your specialty?

I make one of a kind Handbags, craft aprons, and business card cozies. My specialty is the Business Card Cozy.

How did you get into what you do?

I got into sewing as a business because I love making things. So it just happened that some one suggested I sell them.

What item in your shop is your favorite, and why?

I have to say I'm really loving my craft aprons. I think any etsy seller would benefit from having one, plus they can be customized to fit the sellers style. My craft aprons are also good for cooking, cleaning, anything really.

What are your goals in creating your items?

My goal when I create an item is to create the best item I can for my customers.

Anything else you would like people to know about you or your items?

I'm a work at home mom of two beautiful children. I am married to a very supportive husband. I'd like to thank EB Spider for selecting me to be featured on her blog. Thank you so much.

Unorganized Team

So I joined a new team on the Etsy website. I am so frustrated by it too.

So I sign up for their "website" page. And then I realize what a mess it all is. There are not many members as of right now, but if it does start to kick off, it is going to be an even bigger mess.

My complaints so far:

• The forum on this website does not have sections, so every post is just thrown together in one big blob.
• I posted a question on the forum FIVE days ago, and it has yet to be answered.
• I sent a message to the team leader, asking the same question, and she still has not answered.
• There was supposed to be a team meeting in chat, and we were supposed to be emailed the password for the room. Well, we never got an email (and there is not excuse for this, IMO. Send us the password early for crap's sake.) And the team leader ended up not starting the chat, which I can understand if things come up, but I still don't get the password thing.
• I have yet to find out what we need to put on our item tags to let them show up in team searches.

I am ultra frustrated right now and I'm seriously thinking about leaving the team. If you're going to start a freakin' team, be organized or get someone to help you get that way. Gah I could SCREAM right now!

SoapyLove

This week's featured artist is: SoapyLove

What all do you make & what is your specialty?

*I make glycerin soaps of all kinds, but my specialty is definitely Soapsicles!

How did you get into what you do?

*I started soap crafting over 3 years ago when I was pregnant with my son. I got totally obsessed and had way too many soaps! So I started selling online, which was really all I could do since I worked full time. I had the good fortune of being the first glycerin soap crafter chosen as an Etsy featured artist and was a guest on DIY's Craft Lab. Right now I am also writing a soap crafting book which will be published next year.

What item in your shop is your favorite, and why? (Please provide a link)

*My favorite Soapsicle is the Peace, Love, and Soapiness because the colors are so pretty! I think that popsicles and rainbows go hand in hand.

What are your goals in creating your items?

*I want my designs to be creative, innovative, unique, and most of all - bring a smile to your face!

Anything else you would like people to know about you or your items?

*Yes! Soapylove Soapsicles are great for children. Many people are concerned that kids will try to eat the soaps, but I assure them that one lick will prevent them from trying again! Plus the stick is a great non-slip handle for little ones who get frustrated by slippery bars. I will be announcing some new styles and a new soap dish very soon, so sign up for my newsletter to be the first to know.

You can sign up for the newsletter on her website.

Earrings!

My newest obsession is earrings. I have been making earrings from things I already have in my stash. These are just a few of the ideas I have. There are definitely more to come. Check out my shop: E.B.Spider for these and other creations.

BubblesandMimi

This week's featured artist is: BubblesandMimi

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What all do you make & what is your specialty? I love to create items and gifts especially for baby's and Toddlers.From blankets and Burpies to Chic clothing for your little one.

How did you get into crafts?My sister in law taught me how to sew when I was 15 and I will forever be greatful for that gift. Being a military spouse it is nice to have something I enjoy to do to pass the time away from family. Its just a bonus that I know how to make clothes for my little one.

What item in your shop is your favorite, and why? This peasant dress if my favorite ( at least for now)The fit is very flattering for petite or large children and the belt can double as a headband.

What is your goal in making your items? I create things for moms and kids that I would use for my own child. Everything is tested and pre washed to make sure that it lasts!With so many toys and baby items on the market being recalled. My goal was to make something SAFE for children and why not make it fun stylish and functional?

Anything else you would like people to know about you or your items? My daughter is my greatest joy and I am so happy I have been able to spend the last 2 years at home with her. Making things for your baby allows me to stay home with mine.

You can visit her shop here: bubblesandmimi.etsy.com