How Well Do You Know February?

Here are a few cool facts from around the world about February, with some help from some crafty friends!

Yes the birthstone for February is the Amethyst but do you know what the stones meaning is and what it protects us from?

The Amethyst Birthstone is represented very perfectly with this beautiful Swarovski crystal heart Rosary by AngelWingGem

We are all familiar with February 2nd, Groundhogs Day in America (if the Groundhog sees his shadow- winter for another 6 weeks) but did you know on the same day in the UK they have Candlemas Day? This was very interesting to learn.

This little fact was brought to us by beautiful Palm Wax "Welcome Home" Pillar Candle by CandleGuy821

In February this month is also known as Heart Month. Heart disease is huge but you can learn how take care of your heart, beware of symptoms and support those with or passed due to Heart disease. You can learn more from The American Heart Association Site.

This Heart Shaped Doily Imprinted Black and Red Heart by RiverStonePottery fits this month perfectly!

February 4th is an important day America! This day is know as Red Day. Everyone wears red to show support & awareness for Heart Month.

No matter what your age you can join in the support and raise awareness for Heart Disease on 2/4. Check out these Little Crochet Bootie Beauties by 2Kute (the shop name says it all).

Here in America February 6th (this year) is a BIG DAY in Pro-Football. This Sunday is known at Super Bowl Sunday! The top teams who win their Conference (AFC & NFC) meet up for a Final NFL Game!

 

This year the Pittsburgh Steelers finished the season with a 12-4 record & is representing the AFC

And representing the NFC with a finishing record of 10-6 are the Green Bay Packers (aka Cheeseheads).

Tune into FOX at 6:30 (EST) on Sunday 2/6/11.

VaBeachQuilter represented both the Steelers and the Packers wonderfully with these beautiful Notebooks!

On February 8, 1855 Mysterious Footprints were found after a heavy night of snowfall in Devon, England (UK)... Want to know what some say made those tracks and the mystery?

I can say I know for a fact this Pencil Foot Original was not the foot that made those prints! But I can say for a fact that I love this shop and you can find many beautiful pieces of original art work by LindaButterfly!

Most of the World knows that February 14th is Valentine's Day. But why on the 14th and who was St. Valentine? Was there more than one names Valentine? Well, Now it's time you know WHY Valentine's Day is February 14th each year.

This Red Murano Handmade Glass Necklace by ElektraJewelry represented our Valentine's Day today picture perfectly!

Did you know on February 18, 1930 Pluto was discovered and made a Planet of our Solar System... Our last planet... but now they are changing History. Even tough it's history, time never stands still.

Even though our History can be rewritten and Plants reclassified to Dwarf Planets, These beautiful Sapphire Orbital Earring Beauties by VickiDianeDesigns will always be here, until they are purchased- so you better hurry or History will be lost forever!

In 1937 Congress made February Friendship Month & it's known Internationally! It may be a hidden saying, we should all get along since we all live on one Planet. Either way Friends are crucial for a fun fulfilled life! Did you know.... In 1997 the UN adopted Winnie the Pooh as the World's Ambassador of Friendship!

This Red Heart Shepherd Hook Bookmark by TJBDesigns would be a wonderful way to tell a friend that they are special and deserve some "self-time" with a good book!

The last Fun Fact about February! February Is National Chocolate Lovers MONTH!!!

We have a true reason to eat Chocolate! You should have known Americans would come up with a way to justify their Love for chocolate...

This Chocolate Covered Spoon Project by WhatsHerName is perfect to combine most of the February facts in one!

I hope you have learned more about February and their Holidays! Stay tuned for March Fun Facts!!! I have two already and it was very cool to learn why!!!

Just a few of the upcoming Crafy Helpers to demonstration some facts~

Shelly6262, ScrumptiousDoodle, AYarnNut and MORE

IF You would like to join in the fun for any month please Post your site on my Fan Page on FB and I will write you down and get you in If I can relate one of your items! It can be ANY crafter not just etsy... I am here to promote all Handmade items!!

Orange you glad I shared?

Orange Finds from CIC

Orange is a power color. It is one of the healing colors. 

Orange is said to increase the craving for food. When you or someone you know is having a sluggish kind of day, you can turn the day around by buying this creative & playful Fruit & Veggie Greeting Card from LindaButterfly. This Autumnal greetings is so cheerful. The wonderful color of these unusual raspberries look splendid arranged next to a stunning orange-red pumpkin. (Description From LindaButterfly's Shop) 

Orange also stimulates enthusiasm and creativity. Much like these stunning Carnelian & Gold Vermeil Earrings by ElektraJewelry. Stunning carnelian stones and gold vermeil balls and discs adorn long graduated chains on this pair of earrings. The ear wires and chain are 14k gold filled and tiny faceted carnelian stones add the wonderful sparkle. This are great for everyday or with a dress for evening. (Description From ElektraJewelry Shop)

 I have been told that if a change of any kind is need in life, just burn an Orange candle for 7 nights. And this Gel Halloween Pumpkin Candle should do the trick by ValerieEssentials. This 100% Prenco Gel Wax Candle is Clear but with a Great Cinnamon Spice Holiday Scent. The Little Hat Really Makes It. (Description From ValerieEssentials Shop)

Also people who like orange are usually thoughtful and sincere, much like the creators of these beautiful, enticing, stimulating and fun items.

Enjoy and see more in out Collaborators Etsy Shop.

You can also follow us at: 

Facebook

Twitter

Kaboodle

Flickr 

Top CIC picks by LindaButterfly

Choices from my team

This is really an amazing deal!

You get a box (10.5 inches x 7.5 inches x 5 inches)

filled with a bunch of different things from different

 people in my Etsy Team, Collaborators in Cahoots.

You will get things like:
- candles
- soap
- jewelry
- prints
- and much much more!
Check out the Mystery box 

These pastel mini thank you notes are ideal 

for popping into your customer's Etsy order.
They are decorated inside & out and there is 

room for you to write your own thank you

 to your customer.

Embedded glass fish & seaweed with sea shells 

Custom handmade betta fish gel candle for sale. 

in clear gel placed in a ivy glass bowl with all the

 makings of home: sand, wick, & a few shells.

Stunning natural AAA quality pink coin pearls grace 

this lovely floater type necklace.
The glass beads are Murano and all are strung 

on fine sterling silver coated beading wire giving the

 impression that the beads are floating. A delicate 

magnetic sterling silver class completes this lovely piece.

Beautiful Etsy Talent Shown

Beautiful Treasury by CherithBrown . This shop also has some amazing Fledglin- An original pen & ink Drawing with subtle areas of watercolour (Definition from CherithBrown's etsy shop)

'Bold and Beautiful' by cherithbrown

Feeling happy!!!

Tote Purse Market Craft Diap... Antiquebasketl... $39.00	Cinderella Earrings. Sterlin... aroluna $56.00
Mykonos Copper Wire Hand Ham... elektrajewelry $35.00	Ocean Tie Dye- Blue/Green/Pu... JoyceIsCrafty $24.95
Arabella Art Accessory Rabbi... dragonhouseofy... $98.00	Love in the Mist aliherrmann $2500.00
Limoncello Handmade Soap mad... DeShawnMarie $4.95	Grass bbusbyarts $1000.00
Blue Rectangles - Art Postca... lindabutterfly $2.75	Sweet little Pink Teddy Bear OliviaOlivia $16.00
Yellow Blue Handmade Fine Th... Nothingbutstri... $42.00	CUSTOM Labels - Personalize... PromoPixie $8.95
RAINY DAY WITH MY UMBRELLA g... LycheeKiss $26.00	Butterfly SunCatcher RFColorfulCrea... $6.00
Set of three tiny heart bowl... redhotpottery $27.00	Tea and Saucer set 10 pieces lovintage $49.00

Generated using Treasury HTML code generator by Whale Shark Websites.

This was such a great Blog I had to Share

Unique Business Cards

Unique business cards are a great way to get the "word" out to your customers. A friend and collaborator of mine,Lindabutterfly uses mini moo cards, a wonderful product which you see here.:

"I use Mini Moo cards as my unique business cards. Moo is a company linked to Flickr.http://uk.moo.com/en/products/

They were European based, but recently set up a USA store. I have my cards, postcards and mini cards printed by them.

Each mini moo card is different and uses my art and photography. There is plenty of room on the back for the free addition of my two shop urls and a 10% discount offer. I think that the mini Moos are better value than the Moo business cards!

When I send a package to a customer, first I take a photo of the package adorned with the business card. The photo is put into several Flickr groups, including one specifically for 'Etsy packaging'. This way, people get to see the business card.

I have, now and then stuck a small piece of sheet magnet on the reverse of the card; makes a good fridge magnet!"

I use Vistaprint.com for my business cards and invitations to shows and have been quite happy with their products. My card reflects the nature of my jewelry and designs which are very much influenced by my Greek background. Blue instead of white for the back gives the card extra pizazz.

A Day at the Fair by Donald the CandleGuy821

A Day at the Craft Fair

by Donald T. MacKinnon

candleguy821

Saturday, a day I patiently waited for.  Today is the day of the virtual Country Craft Fair featuring talented artisans from places near and far away.  Forecasters predicted crisp clean air and pleasant comfortable temperatures for this mostly sunny day.  It is perfect weather for looking at the beautiful handmade creations while walking from one artisan's booth to another. You never know I might even find some special gifts for the fast approaching holidays.

     I think I may be one of the first ones here, but as I looked back, the parking lot was filling up fast.  The crafts people worked hard they earned a break in the weather and received it.  Admission was $2.00 to cover costs of running the fair, a very reasonable fee in my opinion. This is a very big event, as I looked across the fields ahead at the many booths and artisans eager to show off their works.  There had to be an acre of tent-covered tables comfortably spaced across the close cut green field grass.  Several large trees served to add shade, and contribute to the wonderful Country Craft fair ambiance.

     After walking by several craft displays, something caught my eye as I approached the booth of Elektra Jewelry Designs, displayed amid an array of unique jewelry the likes of which I had not seen in a long time, was a stunning bracelet.  A card under the bracelet display stand had printed on it this description: A very fancy jeweled cuff, handmade with 12-gauge sterling silver wire, and smothered with pearls, rose quartz, silver spacers, and Swarovski crystal.  As I gazed at the beautiful work, the Artisan greeted me and offered to model the bracelet for a couple of photographs.

Jeweled Cuff

Jeweled Cuff

"The work is beautiful," I said as my glazed over eyes stared at the piece.  The woman introduced herself and told me the sad story of her camera breaking. She mentioned that I could get the piece later on by contacting her through the Etsy On-line store using the "Contact Artisan" feature.

     While she was setting the beautiful jeweled cuff on its display stand, a pair of earrings, "oh, these are very pretty, the luster and color is amazing" I said.  I snapped a couple photos for later reference.  A small card under the display stand, described the earrings as a pair of peach drop pearl earrings, hung on gold vermeil caps and ear wires.

Peach Drop Pearl Earrings

Peach Drop Pearl Earrings

     "Dina I enjoyed your booth, but there is much more to see," I said while carefully storing her business card in my camera bag.  Elektra Jewelry Designs is a store I will visit again while shopping from my computer I thought as I turned toward the next booth on my list.

     Opps, I have to stop here first, an unbelievable assortment of smells pulled me toward the Soapy Blessings booth.  "Look at all these handmade soaps, got to have some," I said to myself.  A lovely person walked over and introduced herself, "I am Patricia, you look like you need a little help to locate the source of a particular smell," she said.  "Yes, I smell cranberries, which one of these" I said, as she handed me a round piece of soap saying, "try this one, Cranberry Orange Spice Soap".  I read the label under the display plate; the soap has a cranberry fragrance mixed with orange essential oil, a touch of musk, sandalwood, and moss to give a sweet smell with subtle woodsy undertones.

Cranberry Spice Soap

Cranberry Spice Soap Closeup

      "Yes perfect, please wrap a bar up and one of these also", I said while pointing at the dish with the printed tag Irish Cream Soap under it.  Printed neatly on the tag, were these words "handmade soap using the dessert wine Irish Country Cream fragrance that is mixed with a small amount of Creme Brulee for extra richness."

Irish Country Cream Soap

     The soap, I could smell the Irish Cream from where I was standing outside the booth. What a great way to start your day, a nice hot shower using one of these elegant soaps from Soapy Blessings to relax and get ready for the world.

     Thanking Patricia for the fantastic soaps, I walked along the row of artisan displays until I saw a most interesting display of unusual candles at Valerie's Essentials, along with some free tootsie rolls and mints.  Look at this candle, it is a scented candle, but more than that, it is a fish bowl with glass seaweed and a glassfish with real seashells all embedded in this clear wax called Gel.  The booth had row upon row with gel candles having different themes. Some had no fish at all, but beautiful seashells imbedded in the gel.  There was even one for golfers.  The Artisan was busy with another customer so I took the time to look around the candle filled booth.

 

     When it comes to desserts, I have no resistance.  One of my favorite sweet treats is strawberry shortcake.  Without a doubt, I am a strawberry shortcake eating fool.  Poised dangerously close to me was a dish of strawberry shortcake.  As I slinked closer the strawberry scent tantalized my olfactory senses. OH NO! The strawberry shortcake was a candle made from paraffin and gel waxes.

     The candle maker finished up with the other customer just in time to see the disappointed look on my face.  She smiled and introduced herself as Valerie.  "I must have have one of those candles," I said while pointing at the candle.  We talked a little about the candle as she wrapped it up for me.  She mentioned another candle maker's booth I should visit while at the fair, Candles by Donald.  I said I would try, as I waved goodbye, and continued up this little grassy rise toward another booth on my list to visit.

     "Ah, here it is, LindaButterfly Cards and Art," I thought, then “Look at all these cards”, I said quietly to myself. “Sir, what did you say”, said a voice with a British accent from behind the display. “There are so many cards” I said. “Yes, I try to provide a good selection, something for every occasion”, she replied, as she appeared in front of me, this woman with a big warm smile. “Hello, I am Linda”, she greeted me. “Is there something special you need or would you like to just look around?”  “Just one question; all of the cards I have looked at are beautiful on the outside, but with no writing on the inside, why?”  “Good question, the card cover has different meanings. This way each person who buys a card can write something appropriate to the occasion at hand. Possibly to convey a meaningful personal message or recount some past experience”.   She paused a moment, “The individual can make a card so much more than just a card.  Look around, enjoy looking at the cards, ask and I will help you.”  I had already made my selection, "Linda, I want to look over in theLindaCaterpillar section of your booth, will you wrap these two cards up for me".  I paused a moment then said,"Yes, one Winter Fir Treesgreeting card, and one Frosty Ground greeting card".

 

     Linda's booth was divided into two sections, I was in the LindaCaterpillar section now.  This section is devoted to artworks done in acrylic, watercolor, pastels, and much more.  I looked at the acrylics first; while looking, a painting named Dancing Tree captured my attention in a special way.  From the acrylics I shifted my gaze to the pastels where a work titled Trees by the Lake moved me, but "I like all of Linda's Art", I thought.  I asked first, then took these pictures to share with you.  "Linda, I have to leave your wonderful booth, it is clear to me I need much more time."  We said our goodbyes and she gave me her business card with her on-line store addresses on the front, LindaCaterpillar andLindaButterfly Cards and Art.

By the Lake, pastel

Dancing Tree, acrylic

s 

     The next booth on my list was just ahead. Oh, this looks like fun, Custom Clothing and Costumes for You, the banner over the booth read. Look at all the costumes, Luke Skywalker, Snow White, Sheriff Woody, Jessie the cowgirl, Oompa Loompa, and so many more.  All the props needed to take a kid well into a "make pretend world", AND all the props needed to take an adult well into a "make pretend world"; why should kids have all the fun.  More than just costumes, this is handmade quality clothing. I asked the woman who designs and makes all of this beautiful clothing if I could take some photos to share.  Here are a few teasers:

     Custom Clothing and Costumes for You has an on-line store with listings of all the costumes. Please remember that Custom is NO problem for this Artisan.

     I left the costume booth with a smile and crossed over the grassy field to another row of booths.  The colors here abound as each tent roof perimeter is lined with triangular flags, and the booth front displaying a large banner with the store name, and logo.  The tables covered with colored cloths and lined with ribbons, all designed to attract the attention of a potential buyer.  The day continued to be pleasant with good lighting for numerous photo opportunities.

     I think I will visit my friend Shelly, her boothHandmade Creations by Shelly is just a head.  Shelly was very happy to see me, and put together an incredible display of handmade items.  We started at a corner table where she talked about each item in this grouping of different crocheted designs, and all the time knitting a scarf. Shelly loves to knit and there is hardly a time when she is not knitting something.  While looking at all the items she had knitted and crocheted, I noticed a beautiful book or album cover. 

 

     This is a very nice way to display the photo album on the coffee table.  Next to the crochet album/book cover was a hand knitted felted tote bag.  There were small pouches and bags that would work well with anything that fit into them.  The selection seemed endless as we walked around the booth, I saw scarf's, hats, gloves, ponchos, caplets, purses, felted bags and designer collections.

Hand Knitted Woman Shawl

Hand Crochet Pom Pom Scarf

     I took a few photos and said my goodbyes.  The day was going fast, with the sun already getting low on the horizon.
     I wanted to visit Susan's booth just ahead on the left, ah there it is near that big tree.  Her banner with shop name in big colorful letters,Susanneedlehands is displayed in the front of her booth. Susan loves to sew, knit, and do crafts. The tables, piled high with felted bowls, felted plates,scarves, knit bags, water bottle carriers, and even a teddy bear looked beautiful.

Crochet Storage Bowls

Handmade Knit Teddy Bear

Water Bottle Carrier

Handmade Knit Scarf

     Her shop is non-profit with all the money going to various charities that can always use some cash. I could not stay long, time was not on my side I said goodbye to Susan and headed to a booth close to the exit.

     This would be my last stop, I was hungry and tired, but so happy to have spent some time looking at crafts, taking pictures, and just being outside on this beautiful day.  It was time to meet Kelsi and Ryan, the booth Kelsilove, like the store is a collection of everything.  Many of the items are made from recycled materials, something I love to see.  Kelsi greeted me while modeling her Soft Olive Green Knitted Scarf.  The scarf looked beautifully warm, and very soft.  Oh, thats Ryan in the other photo, Kelsi's neck is not that hairy.

 

Kelsi and Ryan were eager to show me a wonderful collection of environmentally friendly jewelry,brooches, scarves, photography, art, and more.  Here are some Photos one of a unique brooch, and another of a pair of Big Green Bulb Earrings. 

 

     Ryan had some of his art on display.  He told me of his new on-line store called On The Floor Studio where he sells digital prints of his not so digital paintings.  These are great, certainly a "must see" place to go.  Here are two of his many wonderful prints.

Wave of Paranoia

Look What We Found

     I said my goodbyes to Kelsi and Ryan, and walked down the slight hill toward the parking lot.  All the while I contemplated this fantastic day I had at this virtual country craft fair.  In closing, please visit all of these artisans at their on-line stores.  There you are sure to find unique, quality, handmade works of art, each and every one.