Saturday, December 19, 2009

Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year!

My studio will be on vacation from December 20th 2009 to January 7th 2010. Items can be purchased to reserve them as your own, but I will only be able to ship starting January 7th. For US customers that means the package will arrive around January 15th. So please do shop handmade and make someone happy... just be aware shipping will be delayed until the first week of January. Thank you for your continuous support!

Happy Holidays and a Very Happy New Year Everybody!

Yay! Vacation! Yay! Vacation! Yay! Vacation!

Yup, quite happy about it as you can tell :)

The only sad part is that I won't get to be with all the cool ArtFire friends I've made over these past couple months. But! I will be back January 7th for a fun-filled 2010! :)

Check the forums for new undiscovered studios, as well as for maybe-daily features. Although I am sure you will have plenty on your hands with all the cooking, and eating, and partying going on!

So enjoy your celebrations and be safe!

My best wishes for a fabulous 2010!

Love,
mv

My 2009 favorite Polyvore set

Thanks to Brass Buns, I have recently discovered Polyvore. Oh what fun! And so addictive!

I've only invested a few days so far, so I only have four sets built. Well, the year is coming to an end and I need to pick a favorite, right? :)

I think the set I like the most (so far) is the Capri Sunset Fantasy in Artfire Tones one. There's something about it that just makes me click on it every time I see the thumbnail!

Let's see if I can figure out the Polyvore embedding....




Wooo! It worked! But why is it showing only 5 items? Let me fix that manually...

Items in this set

Copper Dreams dangle earrings (glass, rhinestones, copper) : mv - ArtFire Jewelry
Gilded Fire dangle earrings (glass, Swarovski, filigree, metal) : mv - ArtFire Jewelry
Feux dAntan dangle earrings (copper filigree, glass) : mv - ArtFire Jewelry
Baltic Amber Acorn Earrings : BrassMonkeyOriginals - ArtFire Jewelry
Lapis Wavy Oval, Freshwater Pearls, lapis Rondelle bead set 1734 : PizazzBeads - ArtFire Jewelry Supplies
Orange scarf THE FLOWERS OF PARADISE : AndreaDesigns - ArtFire Accessories
Orange scarf THE FLOWERS OF PARADISE : AndreaDesigns - ArtFire Accessories
BLUE SKY SCARF turquoise peruvian alpaca,merino,french angora : AndreaDesigns - ArtFire Knitting
zebra leg warmers
Koi Pocket Mirror : KungFuCowgirl - ArtFire Accessories
Ren Studio spin art ACEO original by Karen Searls : renstudio - ArtFire ACEO
Flirt : sw19 - ArtFire Painting


Enjoy, and let me know what you think! (Click the checkboxes below to vote: first one for Cool, second one for Funny, third one for Interesting) :) :)

Thank you for your votes! :)

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

New article, yay! Easy Holiday napkin rings and ornaments.

My newest article is up! I made some cute napkin rings for Thanksgiving, so I've written a quick and easy HowTo expanded to cover all occasions, as well as ideas for Christmas ornaments, kids' bracelets, and other fun kids' crafts with ribbon and beads.

I am actually pondering making some Christmas ornaments with 45 beads for a larger diameter, and then creating spokes with silver plated wire or red and green string. It should be fun!

Check out the article and let me know what you think: How to make fun napkin rings for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other occasion. It was very fun to make the samples and to write the article! :)

The samples came out pretty cute!

Over and Out for now...

Monday, December 14, 2009

Week of 12/14 to 12/20 Features
Buy Handmade, Make Someone Happy

This week we continue featuring poll toppers from the most recent Favorite Undiscovered Studios Poll. The features will be in poll order, so scroll down for the newest feature. Enjoy these gorgeous studios! :)


12/14 Buy Handmade, Make Someone Happy


Today's shop is steamer, specializing in steampunk and other unique and beautiful designs to last a lifetime. There, you will find perfect gifts for the unique people in your entourage.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you enjoy their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

steamer's Lowest priced item is $25. The highest priced item is $55.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/15 Buy Handmade, Make Someone Happy


Today's shop is OuttaSight, specializing in beautiful awareness jewelry. There, you will find perfect gifts for everyone supporting a cause dear to them.

This is a snippet from this artisan'a bio that has touched my heart:

"Outta Sight - Well, not quite. I am blind in my left eye and have the equivalent of looking through a drinking straw in my right eye. The beautiful picture you see is Dolly, my guide dog. Making jewelry is an unfortunate hobby for a blind person, but I love it!

Celebrate Awareness is a collection I am excited about because we all support causes that are special to us. These necklaces, bracelets, and earrings allow you to show your own awareness and present a heartfelt gift to others.
"


I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you enjoy their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

OuttaSight's Lowest priced item is $10. The highest priced item is $52.

Here is one of my favorites:
(NOTE: $15 from every sale of this Autism awareness necklace will be donated to ABC, a highly specialized school for autistic children)

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/16 Buy Handmade, Make Someone Happy


Today's shop is Neveahscrafts, specializing in beautiful necklaces with pendants based on cutouts from old magazines. There, you will find perfect gifts for the lovers of jewelry worth a second look.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you enjoy their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

Neveahscrafts's studio sections are:

Necklaces

Neveahscrafts's Lowest priced item is $9.50. The highest priced item is $19.50.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/17 Buy Handmade, Make Someone Happy


Today's shop is PoetryInPieces, specializing in quality handmade mosaics and authentic gemstone jewelry. There, you will find perfect gifts for the lovers of high quality decor and jewelry in your entourage.

PoetryInPieces is a member of the Society of American Mosaic Artists.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you enjoy their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

PoetryInPieces's studio sections are:

Jewerly
Mosaics

PoetryInPieces's Lowest priced item is $42. The highest priced item is $205.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/18 Buy Handmade, Make Someone Happy


Today's shop is DLCreations-AL, specializing in beautiful jewelry wish an antique flair. There, you will find perfect gifts for the ladies in your entourage.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you enjoy their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

DLCreations-AL's Lowest priced item is $7. The highest priced item is $50.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/19 Buy Handmade, Make Someone Happy


Today's shop is beadifulthingsbymichelle, specializing in whimsical and colorful jewelry and beaded accessories. There, you will find perfect gifts for the color-loving ladies in your entourage.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you enjoy their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

beadifulthingsbymichelle's Lowest priced item is $7. The highest priced item is $20.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)

Monday, December 7, 2009

Week of 12/07 to 12/13 Features
Buy Handmade, Make an Artisan Happy

This week's features will show TOP Favorite Undiscovered Studios. The features will be in the poll order, so scroll down for the newest feature. Enjoy these gorgeous studios! :)



12/07 Buy Handmade, Make an Artisan Happy


Today's shop is TimelyImpressions, specializing in contemporary and whimsical quality timepieces. There, you will find perfect gifts for everyone who loves fine art with a practical touch. Christmas and Hanukkah are around the corner, get your gifts from here :)

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you like their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, VHM, FaceBook etc. your favorite item from this studio!

TimelyImpressions's studio sections are:

Metal Clocks
Frosted Lucite Clocks
Supplies - Crafts

TimelyImpressions's Lowest priced item is $18. The highest priced item is $85.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/08 Buy Handmade, Make an Artisan Happy


Today's shop is jasmina100, specializing in modern gemstone jewelry. There, you will find perfect gifts for the elegant ladies in your entourage.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you like their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

jasmina100's studio sections are:

Bracelets
Necklaces
Earrings

jasmina100's Lowest priced item is $12. The highest priced item is $38.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/09 Buy Handmade, Make an Artisan Happy


Today's shop is creativityawakened, specializing in beautiful art in vivid colors and dramatic form. There, you will find perfect gifts for the lovers of beautiful things in your entourage.

~~~She is donating 20% of December profits to The Women's and Children's Alliance.~~~

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you like their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

creativityawakened's studio sections are:

Original Paintings
Vases - Small/Medium
Vases - Large
Martini Glasses Shakers/Pitchers
Wine Glasses
Tea Light Candle Holders
Floating Candle Holder/ Large Cylinder Vases
Original Chess Sets
Mirrors/Picture Frames
Lovely Loners (SALE)

creativityawakened's Lowest priced item is $5.95. The highest priced item is $412.25.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/10 Buy Handmade, Make an Artisan Happy


Today's shop is tulliodesign, specializing in beautiful and unique pottery. There, you will find perfect gifts for everyone on your list.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you like their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

tulliodesign's Lowest priced item is $20. The highest priced item is $79.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/11 Buy Handmade, Make an Artisan Happy


Today's shop is Ramonalisa, specializing in original clothing with heart and soul. There, you will find perfect gifts for the fashionable ladies on your list.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you like their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

Ramonalisa's Lowest priced item is $42. The highest priced item is $118.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)


12/12 Buy Handmade, Make an Artisan Happy


Today's shop is MandiesCandies, specializing in curing your chocolate and candy cravings. There, you will find perfect gifts for the sweet teeth on your list. And chocolate.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love (chocolate), even if just to let them know how much you like their work (chocolate and candies). Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like! Chocolate!

MandiesCandies's studio sections are:

Winter/Christmas
Fall/Thanksgiving
Halloween
Anytime
Careers/Hobbies
Kids Themes
Love/Weddings/Valentines
Gaming/Sports
Military
Spring/Easter

MandiesCandies's Lowest priced item is $1.50. The highest priced item is $18.50.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)

Have I mentioned CHOCOLATE yet? :)


12/13 Buy Handmade, Make an Artisan Happy


Today's shop is Eruanna, a very talented young artist specializing in fantasy drawings. There, you will find perfect gifts for the lovers of fine drawings on your list. CYA Note: Some drawings have flashes of paper "skin" - viewer discretion is advised.

I encourage you to contact the artisan above if you see an item you love, even if just to let them know how much you like their work. Show us your favorites in the ArtFire thread too and twitter, plurk, blog, etc. if you find something you like!

Eruanna's Lowest priced item is $5. The highest priced item is $30.

Here is one of my favorites:

What is YOUR favorite? :)

We have a winner!

Oh what fun it has been! The voting for the Favorite November Undiscovered Studios has just closed, and we have a winner! With so many wonderful studios awaiting to be discovered, it was very hard to choose a favorite. In fact, I think I favorited pretty much the whole list myself!!

62 fabulous studios were added / submitted to this ArtFire thread during the month of November. 24 studios had either had their first sale, or had been randomly featured on the daily Undiscovered Studio Thread And Blog by the end of the month. So what to do for the 38 studios that had not been featured yet? Let's have a poll for the top favorite Undiscovered Studios! A poll where everybody WINS! :)

With 57 votes at the end of the poll, at least 57 kind people have visited these studios and appreciated their beauty. 4 studios have even had their first sale during the poll! :) My heart fills with happiness to see such great participation in a purely RAK poll, with no giveaways nor prizes. Aren't ArtFire artisans the greatest?

I personally have had so much fun, I think this should be a monthly event. What do you think? :)

Of course, the next one will be better! We have all learned a lot during this poll. The next one will start the time-lapse at 0, to really see how cool it looks when people vote. It really looks like an MP3 player with all the bars going up and down as people vote for their favorites. It should probably be longer too, like a week. And maybe have a shorter list :) 38 WAS probably a bit too much for most people to go through.

So if you have ideas for the next polls, let me know! You can comment here, or you can send me an email too! All feedback will be greatly appreciated!

Hahahahaha. Are you wondering yet WHEN I am going to tell you who the winner was? I think everybody won, but I'll tell you in a bit who had the most votes :)

I would also want to post a video of the poll time-lapse from 17 votes to 57 votes. It will take a while to create and align all the frames, but check back in a few days for a cool "See how your votes count" animation. For now, here is the one created half-way through the poll:

Pretty cool, huh?

Yes, it does look like an MP3 player :)

So since I will probably remove the poll in a few days, here are the winners, to be saved here for posterity:
Arctic_Paradise
ArtisanOriginals
BeadTastic
BlueTwilight
BoxesAndMore7
bstrung
caratcache
ceejaybags
christianmarie
CreativityAwakened
Elegantjewelryandcrafts
Eruanna
hippiechickdesign
JardinDeSophie
Jasmina100
jennyalexander
JewellerybyLOwusu
JewelsInTheGarden
KatiePleseCreations
MajorTommy
MandiesCandies
MyFavoriteShop
nekidesu
Neveahscrafts
NewAgainSilverDesigns
OuttaSight
peapatch
Ramonalisa
RMdesigns
silverheartworks
steamer
stitchnstudio
SuzanneSullivanHandmadeOriginals
SweetNSassy
TimelyImpressions
TullioDesign
ViaDellaRosa
WhiteDandelion

Be sure to check them out if you missed the poll.

So the final tally for the TOP 5 by number of votes is:

~~~~~~DRUMROLL~~~~~~

STUDIO - VOTES (PERCENTAGE BAR)
Neveahscrafts - 6 (10%)
OuttaSight - 6 (10%)
steamer - 6 (10%)
Eruanna - 7 (12%)
MandiesCandies - 7 (12%)
Ramonalisa - 7 (12%)
TullioDesign - 7 (12%)
peapatch - 8 (14%)
CreativityAwakened - 13 (22%)
Jasmina100 - 13 (22%)
TimelyImpressions - 15 (26%)


Once you are done visiting all these wonderful studios, make sure you check ~~~TimelyImpressions'~~~ studio again. Aren't those clocks GORGEOUS? My favorite of all times is the Tall, Dark, and Handsome clock :) With a name like that, who would not want it in their home ;)

November Favorite Undiscovered Studios Poll Archive

This is an archive of the Undiscovered Studios Poll for the month of November 2009. Everybody was a winner! :)


Vote for your favorite undiscovered studios!


Hi!

This is an opportunity to make next week's features less random, while at the same time being able to show your appreciation for the beauty to be found around ArtFire!

The list below was taken from this forum post (click), and was last updated December 1st.

If studios have their first sale during the poll, congratulations! You can still vote for them. The features are reserved for studios with zero sales on the morning of the feature :-) This is why you can vote for more than one studio. You can still show your appreciation for your favorite yet also help a studio without a sale.

Have fun, tell your friends, and let's see how this goes! :) Looking forward to the final results, the evening of December 6th!

Thank you for voting!

Love,
mv


Undiscovered shops from the poll below


http://www.artfire.com/users/Arctic_Paradise
http://www.artfire.com/users/ArtisanOriginals
http://www.artfire.com/users/BeadTastic
http://www.artfire.com/users/BlueTwilight
http://www.artfire.com/users/BoxesAndMore7
http://www.artfire.com/users/bstrung
http://www.artfire.com/users/caratcache
http://www.artfire.com/users/ceejaybags
http://www.artfire.com/users/christianmarie
http://www.artfire.com/users/CreativityAwakened
http://www.artfire.com/users/Elegantjewelryandcrafts
http://www.artfire.com/users/Eruanna
http://www.artfire.com/users/hippiechickdesign
http://www.artfire.com/users/JardinDeSophie
http://www.artfire.com/users/Jasmina100
http://www.artfire.com/users/jennyalexander
http://www.artfire.com/users/JewellerybyLOwusu
http://www.artfire.com/users/JewelsInTheGarden
http://www.artfire.com/users/KatiePleseCreations
http://www.artfire.com/users/MajorTommy
http://www.artfire.com/users/MandiesCandies
http://www.artfire.com/users/MyFavoriteShop
http://www.artfire.com/users/nekidesu
http://www.artfire.com/users/Neveahscrafts
http://www.artfire.com/users/NewAgainSilverDesigns
http://www.artfire.com/users/OuttaSight
http://www.artfire.com/users/peapatch
http://www.artfire.com/users/Ramonalisa
http://www.artfire.com/users/RMdesigns
http://www.artfire.com/users/silverheartworks
http://www.artfire.com/users/steamer
http://www.artfire.com/users/stitchnstudio
http://www.artfire.com/users/SuzanneSullivanHandmadeOriginals
http://www.artfire.com/users/SweetNSassy
http://www.artfire.com/users/TimelyImpressions
http://www.artfire.com/users/TullioDesign
http://www.artfire.com/users/ViaDellaRosa
http://www.artfire.com/users/WhiteDandelion


Vote for your favorite undiscovered studio. The top 5 favorites will be featured starting December 7th. Thank you! (List updated December 1st and not containing studios already featured.)


[POLL IMAGE available upon request]

Votes so far: 57
Poll closed