I've been featured!

I apologize for being behind in my posts. There's been a lot going on in my life, and I'll save that for another time.

For the time being, I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Charan, of CreativeWithClay, for featuring some of my creations on his blog!! The most recent was my golden Peacock purse. Please visit Charan's blog, where he runs a weekly feature on "colors". I think it's a wonderful, fun, idea, and has been a huge success!

A million thanks, Charan!!!

Please be sure to stop by Charan's shop to see some awesome clay work!!

Shop:
www.creativewithclay.etsy.com

Blog:
http://creativewithclay.blogspot.com


You may visit my shops at:

www.gladraggz.etsy.com
www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.artfire.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com

The Barefootweaver Etsy shop!

I never know what gorgeous shops I'll find on Etsy. Yesterday I learned that I never know what gorgeous shops will find ME there!!





To my surprise, I opened my mailbox to find that a generous seller was letting me know my silk ribbon embroidery purse was in her lovely treasury!!! You can view it here:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=68948


In following up, I was bolled over to find that the most beautiful treasures of all were sitting quietly in Cait Throop's Barefootweaver shop! I am in awe of handwoven cloth, and always have been. There's something about the blend of texture and color that really send me! And, weaving is one more craft I see myself aspiring to, but probably won't ever embark upon because of expense and space considerations.


As a young person living in western New York, I faithfully shopped the annual Keenan
Art Show in Lockport, NY, a stringently juried show, and in my mind's eye, I somehow see the Cait Throop shop among the fine artisans there. It's safe to say I would have gone home with at least one of her pieces. The only problem would have been trying to decide which one! If she was ever there in reality, it would have been at *least* one item per year!

Cait shares that she's been in love with weaving since the 1970's, and has been weaving since the early 1990's. In discovering weaving, she shares that in it, she found "not just color but dance as well", and that she's "totally in love with warps, wefts, textiles and their endless possibilities."

She dyes many of her own threads, and over the years, has changed her weaving techniques, and now incorporates interesting knitting yarns with various shapes and textures into her work. I immediately recognized some of the textured and ladder yarns as those I also love, and have used in my winter purses.



Cait produces beautiful creations in her home - an old farm that she shares with two horses, three cats, one small dog, and a very supportive husband.

I love it!










Sunshine and Shimmer II scarf:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30124573

Sunshine and shimmer skinny cuff:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29392436

Ocean Blue Sweater:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24133261

Stripes forever scarf:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26880264

Garden party scarf:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25166985

Handwoven Chenille scarf:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29061253

Fiber circle pendant:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24359701

Barefootwearver Etsy shop:
www.barefootweaver.etsy.com

Cait's facebook fan page
http://www.facebook.com/cait.throop#/pages/Barefoot-Weaver/112344572360

Cait's new blog:
http://www.barefootweavercait.blogspot.com

More promotion

Seems like I'm doing more promoting these days, and despite my best efforts, sales are at a standstill. While I've gotten views and a few more hearts, there are still some lonely items in my Etsy shop that could use some love. I'll be updating my photos as soon as we get some sunshine (we're finally getting some badly needed rain, so no complaints about that). But, at the same time, Craftgawker, (very photo fussy), has accepted a my first submission. So, I know my photos aren't too bad.

Anyway, with autumn fast approaching and the holiday season in mind, perhaps someone is or knows someone special and young at heart, and who would love this sweet purse, (above?

And, the color of these biwa pearls make them perfect for fall and winter! They are so pretty with their iridescent pink tones over brown that remind me of antique copper!!

And, they match this necklace - perfect for fall!



Please stop by my on-line shops for a better look, and hope your day is full of life and love!

www.gladraggz.etsy.com
www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.artfire.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com

Brown "antique copper" Biwa pearl earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23145145

Antique copper pearl Necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=23192622

Pony purse:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18964610

The tnoble8238 Etsy shop's beautiful fine art.

The first thing that you see when you enter Tish's trnoble82338's Etsy shop is a color - beautiful, pure, clear, and crisp - and so well done that you can almost feel, taste and smell what's on the screen! It's obvious that Tish is a not only loves beauty and nature, but she knows that she knows what she's doing. She knows how to use composition and her camera skills in a way that's no less than a perfect balance of art and science.

She's managed to capture the essence of the spectacular, as well as the often overlooked mundane in a way that makes each and every image breathtakingly beautiful! I think some of her landscape scenes seem almosts make believe in their beauty - dream-like and etherial...

As I browsed through the trnoble8238's shop, full of botanicals, landscapes, seascapes, wildlife, and architecture, I found a great sense of peace and tranquility there. I was surprised to discover that each of these fine art photos are extremely reasonably priced, and that each photo is available as a blank note card, or as matted art or custom framed art.

Each photo is original, artist signed, and available in a variety of sizes and finishes. Photo note cards are mounted on 80lb embossed, archival card stock, and the cards are available individually wrapped, as boxed sets, sold on consignment, or offered wholesale. Prices start at $5.00, that I find to be a tremendous bargain!

Again, I'm awestruck by what I've found, and had a very difficult time making a choice. Here are but a few of my favorites, but please, visit the trnoble8238 shop to see more - I promise you won't be disappointed!

Lake of Mirrors:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21668873

Peek Through:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21419262

Bridge with Breeze:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24869449

Drops and Disintegration:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30860358

Hustle and Bustle:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30866610

Push Pins:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30866984

Gothic on Blues:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24869890

The trnoble8238 Etsy shop:
www.trnoble8238.etsy.com

I've been doing more promoting than creating or selling this last week, and in doing so, realize there are some items in my shop that are just - well, unloved...






The photos seem to be good enough, but perhaps I need some new, "fresh" shots, or different poses of some of them. Perhaps a human model might work for some of my purses, and perhaps my earrings could use a model shot???





Anyway, here are a few of my *least* loved items. They are jewelry items - admittingly a highly competitive market.

I'd love it if anyone would leave a critique or two about what I might do to increase the desirability of these viewed but "heartless" lovelies?!


Have a nice weekend, everyone!!


Chandelier earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24599658

Silver foil lined disc earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20805921

Black, silver and red earrings:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=20806377

www.gladraggz.etsy.com
www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com

In time for the autumn Season...

I have a new autumn purse - newly listed yesterday. The colors remind me of the autumn oak leaves in my native western New York, and I can still see, smell, and hear them rustling when I look at this bag.



I've again used batiks for this purse. There are two complimentary prints on the outside, and one for the lining. I love to play with fabric scraps, and put together some trimmings in a sunburst effect for one of the inside pockets. The result is unique and interesting.



I listed this purse last night, and even though, (at the time of this posting), it hasn't earned any hearts yet, it's already in a treasury!!

Please feel free to take a better look at my new creations, on-line shops, and the treasury!

New autumn batik purse:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30614886

Treasury:
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list_west.php?room_id=67619

My online shops:

www.gladraggz.etsy.com
www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.artfire.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com

New purse with rich, elegant Oriental fabric

My new purses have been selling quite quickly lately, (THANK YOU, buyers!!) In fact, they've been selling faster than I can get them posted to my blog! I decided to share my newest creation right away - just listed last night. I enjoy the change of seasons, and while we do experience new seasons here in northwest Florida, the transition is more subtle than in my native Western New York. So, in a sense, I'm still experiencing the move into fall and winter, but in a more active way - through my creations.

I love the striking red and black oriental themed fabric of this purse. The rich fabric and attention to detail make it striking and elegant. It has a magnetic snap closure and my signature knotted shoulder straps. The knotted effect not only makes a style statement, but this method treats them as one, eliminating the constant annoyance of having to keep track of 2 straps. And, the straps are long enough to wear over a coat.

As is the case with all my fabric purses, the bottom has been reinforced with plastic mesh to resist sagging.


Approximately 13" wide at base, 12" wide at the top opening (33 and 30.5 cm), 9" tall, and 3.5 " deep at base. (9cm). The handle stands about 14" (35.5cm) above the top of the purse.

From a clean, smoke-free home.

The fabrics in this purse have been pre-washed. To clean , spot clean or hand wash, spin or blot, hang or lay flat to dry, iron on cotton setting. Or, dry clean.

Red and black oriental purse listed on Etsy site:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30306493

To see more and/or to purchase, please see my on-line shops:

www.gladraggz.etsy.com
www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com

Our new Greyhound foster - Babbs!

As some of my older viewers know, our home is lovingly shared with dogs. Penny is our retired racing Greyhound, who is our canine matriarch and mentor to newly retired racing Greyhounds who live with us between the track and their new "forever" homes. Usually fosters take up residency for at least a few months, until they either find a home locally or are shipped off to another state for adoption. Life at the track is all they've ever known, so acclimating to house life is always an adjustment for them.

While it's sad when they leave, seeing the process of a dog's "blossoming" is extremely rewarding. It's easier to say goodby because I know that each and every one of them will live forever in my heart. Usually after one foster leaves, another comes in immediately, but after our last foster girl, (Catcher), left, we were without a dog for a while - too long... Finally, we got word that a new dog was coming, and we were all anxious to get her, to say the least.

Yesterday, we all took a long drive, (Penny too), to get "SNS Babbs", (her racing name), and she's now in the process of settling in. Babbs is a timid and somewhat apprehensive girl, but she'll settle in before too long. They are all unique in their own way, but they all do very well in the end.

Here's Babbs' photo from the Greyhound adoption page. For being so shy, she's really quite photogenic, and a very pretty girl. When I get some photos of my own, I'll be sure to share them.

Welcome Babbs!!

The AshTreeCreations Etsy shop

Ashley, of AshTreeCreations is an art student at the Museum School of Fine Arts, in Boston. Much of her inspiration comes from symbolism - horoscopes, numerology, runes, etc., and that she incorporates into jewelry. You'll also find sea glass jewelry that Ashley makes from beach glass found on the beaches near her home.


I found Ashley's shop to be a haven for the soul, so to speak, where the artist's love of peace and nature are evident. Also, I was delighted to discover that the creations in the AshTreeCreations shop are inspirations in themselves! For example, Ashley has taken the the centering symbol, OM, used as a yoga chant, and made it into a pendant. This small pendant is a great way to carry with you the calming effects of yoga with you throughout the day. It makes a great gift for the yoga person in your life!

Ashley also has a new line called "Positivity: One Word", 100% organic t-shirts that have one embroidered word to help propagate positivity! Ashley inspiration for these shirts arose from a need to create an item that promoted positive thinking during a difficult time for our country. Shirts are available in all sizes, and in blue with brown writing or brown with blue writing. She says that other words are available, and coming soon.




There's also Ashley's necklace for doggy lovers - the perfect necklace for animal lover! That speaks for itself, and as a dog lover, it has a paws up from me!





Please stop by Ashley's AshTreeCreations shop to get a better look at these, as well as her eco friendly "Bowline Bag" - totes made from 100% recycled used sailboat sails!


Grace Organic T-shirt:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28582322

Om - the yoga symbol necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29168304

Pet Lover's necklace:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26705411

Bowline bags:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25685371

AshTreeCreations Etsy shop:
www.reecreations.etsy.com

Blog:
http://ashtreedesign.blogspot.com

Too early for Christmas???

I know I may be rushing the season, but I had to share the wall quilt that was finished too late to list for last year's holiday season. I bought the fabric after taking a quilt class, and thought it would make a great gift item for those who love both quilts and Christmas!

This wall quilt is really a modern heirloom that will last for generations. It's a signed Nancy Halvorsen design, and made of all cotton, (including cotton batting). The border and hand stitched binding consist of a matching plaid print.

I've spent many long hours painstakingly machine stitching around the main designs, which consists of 13 separate themes, each with its own story of Christmas. The central motif is stitched in gold holographic thread, and 10 of the larger panels are edged in high quality quilting cotton, as well as the borders of each panel section.

The backing consists of a pretty gold holly leaf design, and I've provided two ways to hang the quilt. There's a sturdy pocket for those who like traditional decorative rods, and for others who like things more simple and/or contemporary, I've also attached 3

plastic rings for tacks or nails.

28 1/2" wide by 44" tall. (72.5 X 111.5cm).

Take a better look at my sites and shops listed below. Have a great weekend, everyone!!

Christmas wall quilt. Nancy Halvorsen. Etsy shop listing:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29817738

My sites featuring the Christmas wall quilt:

www.gladraggz.etsy.com
www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com
http://www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com/

Etsy shop Jamdeon

The moment you log onto the Jamdeon Etsy shop, you are struck by the most beautiful banner!! For a moment, I paused, trying to decide if this was photography or hand drawn!




Dian, the creator of these lovely ladies, and who has been creating since she was 5 years old, believes that the eyes are the windows of the soul, and also believes that artists mirror truth and reveal their soul in their creations. She shares that she also loves to paint everyday objects such as coffee cups and vegetables, but confesses that her real passion is painting portraits of sophisticated ladies of the 21st century. They are not anyone in particular just a conglomeration of the way she sees them.

I admire anyone who can bring life to hand drawn work, and think that Dian has worked magic in bringing life to her sophisticated ladies and a sense of beautiful romance to her non-human subjects! Please stop by her shop to enjoy more - you won't be sorry!!

ORIGINAL ACRYLIC PAINTING- THE QUEEN OF HEARTS FREE SHIPPING:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26101440

ORIGINAL ACRYLIC PAINTING - A LADY DRESSED IN BLACK- FREE SHIPPING:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21698534

ORIGINAL ACRYLIC PAINTING - A VERY ELEGANT LADY FREE SHIPPING:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22530058

Jamdeon's Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6953291

For those romantic occasions...

This is yet another in my autumn inspired purse series - a romantic, designer inspired one of a kind handbag that has a very feminine and old-fashioned retro look and feel. It's already earned a number of hearts in my shop in the short time it's been listed.

The outside is 100% silk fabric in a striped pattern with wide bands of green and russet set off by bands of shiny gold. It's embellished with satin ribbon that's attached with hand stitching to mimic ribbon embroidery. The green ribbon used for the stem is edged with metallic gold, and the flower itself is a beautiful deep coral. I've used a large green foil lined bead for the flower's pistil and 3 iridescent beads for the large stamens.

The inside is lined with peach colored organza, with 2 large interior pockets that are machine edge stitched with holographic thread in a floral design.

This purse has the look and feel of days gone by, and because it's vintage inspired, I've decided not used stiff interfacings to keep it rigid. While not fragile in its beauty, it begs to be taken on outings where each moment is savored - romantic evenings for dinner and/or theater, rides in the country, Sunday brunches, and after dinner strolls. If you are looking a very feminine purse for very genteel occasions that are unhurried and romantic, this is the purse for you.

Etsy listing:
Silk and ribbon embroidery handbag. Autumn inspired:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29572195

You can see more by visiting my Etsy and other on line shops:

www.gladraggz.etsy.com
www.gladraggz.shophandmade.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.artfire.com
www.carpetbaggercreations.1000markets.com

Nina's Custom Designs Artfire shop

Nina, of Nina's Custom Designs Artfire shop, sews adorable children's clothes!! She shares that what you see in her shop the outfits you see in her shop are simply templates that she can use as a basis to create your own custom, one of a kind design. . Your design can consist of whatever theme or character you desire, and she asks that you please contact her with your specific desires.

Nina also creates jewelry for young and young-at-heart females. Please stop by her shop to see more.

Disney Princess Vintage 50's Style Embellished Dress Size 3-5:
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=376455

Girls Elvis Presley Inspired Customizable Pant Set Size 2-7:
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=322022

Nina's Custom Designs Artfire shop:
http://www.artfire.com/users/NinasCD

Blog:
ttp://ninascd.blogspot.com/

Etsy shop Altered Beauty

At first glance, one might think that AlteredBeauty's Etsy shop is a very nice shop that has great steampunk jewelry. But, once there, I was enticed to stroll about and learn more about the passion that's put into each and every piece. It became obvious that the creator of this beautiful jewelry is a deep thinker who expresses herself through her art.

The artist's favorite piece is the Atropos necklace, and I have to agree that it's mine, too. The necklace is extremely interesting because of the mythological story behind the Goddess, Atropos, the oldest of the three Fates, who's work involved death and the ultimate destiny of souls.

The necklace is better described in the listing:

"This necklace represents Atropos using three items. The first is a beautifully detailed skull charm, symbolizing death. The second is a tiny pair of scissors, representing her "abhorred shears" used to cut the thread of life. The third item is a beautiful vintage watch movement, representing both the mechanism of death and cycle of life. The chain is long and can easily be slipped over your head without the use of a clasp or toggle. This is truly a one of a kind piece. I will be making jewelry representing the other Moirae as well, but Atropos has always been my favorite so I created this one first."

I'm looking forward to more of such creations. Please stop by AlertedBeauty's shop to take a better look

Atropos Steampunk Necklace
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29409880

"We" charm bracelet:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27800732

Luna charm bracelet:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27800582

AlteredBeauty Etsy shop:
http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7332893

♥http://alteredbeauty.blogspot.com
♥http://twitter.com/alteredbeauty

AlteredBeauty has been featured in the following places!

♥http://cardsetcbyjerri.blogspot.com/2009/08/featured-artist-altered-beauty.html
♥http://sewsouthern.blogspot.com/2009/08/tempting-tuesday_18.html
♥http://juliemagerssoulen.blogspot.com/2009/08/friday-favorites-earth.html