Sunday, September 26, 2010

Prepping for Winter

We have needed to fix our roof for about a year now, and it is finally getting done this weekend!  We had purchased the shingles last fall, but ran out of time (it snowed a couple weeks too early), and then of course as soon as spring came the guys we were going to get to help us had already started working. 

Yesterday, we were able to get things organized enough to start the process, and I have to admit, I am very pleased. They got the first side of the roof already done (stripped, new boards put down, plus shingled) and today it looks like they will be able to do the other side.

Now, one thing I have to keep in mind is that our house is over a hundred years old, and used to be a church.  So, the roof is extremely steep, and Not a fun job to do.  I do believe it was about 20 years ago since it was re-shingled, and there was some damage caused by pesky hornets nesting under the boards. So all in all, it is quite amazing how much they accomplished yesterday.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

The best online selling venue group deal ever!

Have you been thinking of opening up your own website, or looking for that perfect yet affordable venue to sell your handmade goodies, vintage items or supplies? Artfire is going to be shortly exiting their beta stage and want to share their excitement by offering this awesome Artfire group deal. It is only available for a limited time so sign up now, you definitely not want to miss this!!

For $5.95 a month, you will receive a studio with tons of tools such as :

Rapid Cart
Global Pay
Market Hub
Google Boost
Fusion Studio
Shop Sort
Total View
Artisan Blog
Picture Gallery
Studio Widgets
Facebook Kiosk
Global Editor
Etsy Importer
Sticky Cart
Artisan Guilds
Artisan Councils
Maker Bio
Artifact Awards
Sales Booster
Coupon Codes
Gift Certificates
Forge
Merchandizer
Promo Labels and more are always being developed!

And the best thing is, there are no final value fees, no commissions, and no extra charges for pictures (in fact, you can use up to 10 pictures per listing!).

You will not be charged unless the minimum is met, so why not sign up for a free basic studio, and you can opt in to be included in this group package, and when Artfire has reached the minimum 20,000 sign-ups it will go live! The cap has been set for 50,000 so you do not want to wait too long, or you may miss out.

For more details and For the Terms and Conditions, click here.

Want more details about Artfire itself? Well, they are not 'just a venue' they are actually a 'hub' where you can provide links to your other online websites (whether they are selling venues, Facebook, personal blog, twitter, flickr, even your Etsy shop). You can learn all about SEO, how to take better pictures, a 45 day guide to success and pretty much anything else you could ever want to know about running your own online business. And, your customers Do Not have to be members of Artfire to purchase from you!

So check it out, and see what you think. You will be glad you did!

REMEMBER!


IF THE DEAL IS NOT ACTIVATED your card will not be charged $5.95 or ANY OTHER AMOUNT and your current account status will not change.

Which Witch is which?

Are you ready for Hallowe'en yet?  If you are still looking for some decorations for your home and yard, why not check out these awesome handmade Hallowe'en creations.  Now if only dear hubby would let me get some more!

 


Saturday, September 11, 2010

Wooden it be good!

As you already know, I am very partial to things made of wood.  The look, feel, even the smell of it....

I put together this collection of favourite wood products, all handmade from my fellow artisans on ArtFire, and all of these are basic (free) studios.  Come check them out!


Apples!

I am going to have an extremely busy weekend. I bought about 2 huge bushels of apples, (royal gala) and am going to be peeling, chopping and freezing for winter for most of the next two days.  I will have help this time though!  My husband's cousin is here for the weekend, and she will be helping me get these done.

Who knows, we may even make some applesauce and some pies too!

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Gift shopping for men

We have all been there, searching for just the right gift for the beloved man in your life.  Sometimes it can be quite a daunting task!  We look high and low, left and right, and sometimes end up just getting the usual: a tie, socks, a hat. 

The other day I was doing some online research to see just what was out there in the handmade market for gifts for men, and of course, I ended up on ArtFire.  There are some truly amazing and unique handmade products that the men in my life would love!  I thought I would create a collection of some of my favourites to share with you.

Choices galore in metal arts, leather crafts, woodworking and so many more, I do not know where to begin!


Sunday, September 5, 2010

The brilliant colours of Fall

Warm days, cool nights, the brilliant colours of fall. The most wonderful time of the year for me. It means the hard work of summer is almost over and it is time to preserve the bounty of nature.


Here are some gorgeous handcrafted autumn items that will help brighten up your quiet winter days and nights, with thoughts of work well rewarded.