Looking for Feedback

When you are shopping online what do you look for:

1.  Clothing
2.  Shoes
3.  Books
4.  Handbags
5.  Jewelry

Let me know?  I will let you know what others have said.  This is very unscientific.....just my own curosity.

TK

Merry Christmas to my Readers

Merry Christmas!

I have been decking the halls, baking, cleaning, cleaning.....putting together a jigsaw puzzle with a Santa Claus picture, walking the dogs, shopping and working at my "fo money" job.

Oh....I have also been reading craft books and beading magazine and am getting my creativity all ramped up.  I had a slump for awhile....typically happens after I do a jewelry show/sale and I am bummed out because people buy Cookie Lee jewelry and not mine. Then I just go into the studio and stare at all my stash....annoyed.

But like love....beading creativity always kicks back in as strong as ever.  I am really inspired by my new book: "The Big Ass Book of Crafts 2" by Mark Montano.  I wouldn't ever make everything in his book but it is sure fun to look at what he made. Then try to imagine what his place looks like.  He must have the funkiest, most fun little place.  Maybe it is not so little....I am presuming.  But could you imagine a dolls head nightlite in your bathroom?! 

I made as many gifts as I could. They came out very nicely and even put together a stash/creativity bag for my friend JoAnna. Instead of making this creative gal a piece of jewelry I gave her good stuff to make her own.  I threw in beads, hemp, all kinds of interesting yarn scraps and findings.  She will have fun!

Check in with you soon. I want to know what you are doing for your holiday gifts and what you have made.

Theresa

Cyber Monday

I decided that my blog readers need the affordable and a little fun. I am offering a Pre-Cyber Monday, Cyber Monday and Post-Cyber Monday sale for those of you who want to get your game on with your holiday shopping. Save some monya and spare yourself the onslaught of that large box Mart store where people acted a fool. 

30% off all stock today, Monday and Tuesday.....

http://www.etsy.com/shop/BluJeanBeads

Shop Local Saturday

I love the way the business community just keeps coming up with these nice little "days" to help us spend our money.  I have been doing "Shop Local Christmas shopping" for years and years and years.  My sister Beth and I, take time to spend a day visiting small communities around where we live and we shop small stores.

Have I told this to you before, reader?  I apologize, if so, but it does bear repeating. Take the frenzy out of the holidays.  Yesterday, I went to our local beadstore, Shipwreck Beads, and bought some beautiful beads. I came home and made 5 gifts for the total cost of 30 dollars of materials (gemstones and silver wire) while hanging out in the family room with my sister and daughter. 

I was watching television and instead of just mindlessly watching Sherlock Holmes solve a case, I solved a gift idea dilemma.

I have also bought some pendants and charms from local artisans to make other pieces. Inexpensive, handcrafted, made in the USA, one of, signature pieces for only about $5.00 a component.

My next big thing to do is to create something for the men in the family. Hmmmmm....One brother will wear a bracelet....the other not so much....brothers' in law are practical men.  Nephews, nah!!!! 

Thank goodness I can cook.  I think I will put together some soup mixes, rub mixes for steaks and roasts, and maybe some herb flavored oils.  Oh....not to forget, packages of my killer peanut brittle.

Yeah....that is what I will do....Don't tell.