New ArtistiKat Header

Thought with the New Year I would brighten things up a bit with a new header for my Etsy shop.

Here is the header before the change...


and here is the new one.

What do you think?

Merry Christmas!

We woke up to snow this Christmas morning!



Hoping all of you are having a most wonderful Christmas and my best to you for a most marvelous New Year!

Holiday Specials at ArtistiKat and ArtKat

Happy holidays! I've been so busy gearing up for the holidays that I haven't been noticing how fast the time has been going. . . so much to do still.

Before any more time went by I wanted to fill you in on some new news:

1. I've opened a shop onArtFire called ArtKat in addition to my ArtistiKat shop on Etsy.

2. I'm running a free shipping special for the holiday season on all U.S. orders in both shops.

I've listed some new items. They appear in both shops, although eventually, after I get the hang of ArtFire, I'll probably mix up the items a bit. Feel free to stop by whichever you prefer and say Hi.

I like the color in these Swarovski Green Crystal earrings. Had a hard time deciding which is my favorite. The blue drops are pretty too... and the black... ;-)


These wrapped hoops with mini (2mm) amazonite beads dress up some simple sterling silver hoops.

☆ your purchase will come to you nicely gift boxed.

Hope everyone is having an awesome holiday season!

New Photos of the Swirlie Pearls

I've been so busy trying to get ready for the holiday season that I haven't had any time to post.

I've been listing new items in my ArtistiKat shop AND took advantage of the special ArtFire was running and opened a shop over there. It's called ArtKat. My mom always told me not to put all my eggs in one basket. We'll see how my new shop does.
For those of you who are familiar with my Etsy site, this looks much the same, since I'm still learning the ins and outs of it; but expect to see some exciting differences as I go along.

One of the tasks I set myself was to update some of my photos. A few of these had been taken when I was VERY new at photo taking. Here's a before and after on my signature Swirlie Pearl Earrings.

What do you think?

This is "Before."

This is the new photo.

I would love some comments letting me know what you think.

Thanks bunches and have a wonderful day!

Homemade Grape Jelly

Got the last of the concord grapes from the Asheville farmer's market today and am making a nice batch of old fashioned home made grape jelly.


I love this recipe (if you could call it that)... It's been mostly done by memory and long habit.
This recipe does NOT use commercially made pectin. It just relies on the pectin in the fruit.
It's so easy... although a bit time consuming.

For anyone interested, here's what I do:

First, take a big pile of concord grapes . . .
about one third to one half of a paper grocery bag. It helps to have some unripe grapes to help the jelly so set.

Toss the fresh grapes into a sink filled with cold water. lightly swish around to remove any debris. Pull the clean grapes from the stems and toss into a LARGE pan. Lightly crush the grapes using a potato masher, and turn the burner to LOW.

Let it warm up over a long period of time, stirring every once in a while to encourage the grapes to "juice".

Once the grapes have broken down you will need to strain it through a clean cheesecloth to separate the juice from the pulp, skin and seeds.

I made the mistake of using a cheese cloth that I had washed in the laundry and everything came out tasting like soap. Lesson learned: always use a new cheesecloth or boil your used one if you intend to reuse it.

Measure the juice you get, return it to your pan and discard the pulp.

Add almost as much sugar as you have juice. I really do this by taste, so I can't tell you an exact measurement. It depends on the sweetness of the grapes. I have never actually measured.

Stir the sugar into the juice until it has totally dissolved and simmer until it looks good.

By "good" I mean that if you take a bit out of the pan and if it gels when it cools it's probably ready.

I don't usually "can" it cause it never lasts long at our home, but this time I did. Poured it into sterilized jars slapped the lids on and listened for the little pop that let me know they sealed.

I know these directions are casual in the extreme. I would recommend you look on line if you want a "real" recipe. Home made grape jelly is SO good. you'll never want to go back to the store bought stuff.

Hope you're having as much fun on your weekend as I am!

Getting it Done and found Wuglyees

Been virtuously working on administration and bookkeeping tasks all week, so now I can create some jewelry without any little nagging guilt feelings of tasks left undone.

I've also been working a bit on my ArtistiKat Facebook Page this week after many weeks of inactivity. I've changed my profile pic and also shared a talented Etsy artist.

She has a unique shop Wuglyees that features creative crocheted jewelry and accessories.
Like this:

Striking isn't it! She has such skill.

Just click on the picture to go to her shop and see this beautiful creation "in person". She has lots to choose from.


I would also love for everyone to take a peek at my ArtistiKat Facebook Page and let me know what you think, offer comments and/or suggestions, or to just chuckle at my incompetence.
LOL

Have a wonderful weekend!


PS. Before I go, I want to mention that I've also recently listed a new tree pendant in my Etsy shop.

A Solitary Fall/ Winter Tree with a Pearl Moon.

Hope you like it.

Whooo are YOU Looking At?

I don't know who it belongs to, or who originally took this picture, but this is the most adorable little baby owl I've ever seen!

He seems a bit upset that someone is taking his photo.

I love the way his little bottom sticks out over the back of the branch.

What an adorable little ball of fluff!

Have a "owlsome" Wednesday!

Saturday Blog Shopper July 17, 2010

Morning Everyone and Happy Saturday!

Hope the week has been very good for everyone.

I've been running out of ideas for clever things to post on these Saturdays; seem to have gotten myself into a bit of a rut.

Been sitting on the back porch pondering what I could offer for a special this week.
A big dragonfly zoomed down beside me ... nearly took my head off! It sat there for a while, flew off, then came back again and perched on the rock next to my chair.

He was a beautiful one... a big fellow with clear wings and a dark band. Very large and handsome.

(Was too slow to get a pic, but this is close -not exact)

I like dragonflies, but being slow on the uptake I went inside and didn't think anything about it.

Later I was walking to my car and there was another large dragonfly spinning around me, and one more of those pretty little delicate blue ones. (We used to call them darning needles, but I'm not certain what their true name is).

(similar to the darning needle I saw, although I think mine was a darker blue)

Strange... was there something about me that attracted the little creatures today?

Everywhere I went today I seemed to be inundated with dragonflies... either flying around me, or sitting (do they sit?) next to me. What am I, the dragonfly whisperer?
A couple actually tried to follow me inside, but I'm glad they didn't. My cat would have made short work of them.

OK... I may be slow, but it finally sunk in.

My dragonfly earrings will be my special this Saturday.
Free shipping to anyone who would like a pair.

Just put "dragonfly" in the notes to seller.

Click on this photo to go to the listing or this ARTISTIKAT link to go to my shop Home Page.

I can refund your shipping via PayPal or create a special listing for you with the shipping removed. Just let me know which you'd prefer.

Please also take a moment to stop by the wonderful shops participating in the Quilts Galore and More event. These are truly talented artists with a variety of creative items to share.

Saturday Blog Shoppers July 10th, 2010

Morning Everyone!

Time again for another Saturday blog event!

This week has been an eventful one, and busy as always here in Asheville. I hope everyone is having a productive and fun summer!
This Saturday is celebrating the fact that I have been expanding my line to include more silver pieces... so for the ArtistiKat shop my special is 10% off any silver piece you may find there.

Just enter Silver Saturday in the notes to seller to get this special.

Here's a couple of examples that are on special.

Silver Wishbone with Blue

Elegant Silver Coil with Blue Pearl

Click the photos to go to that listing or this ARTISTIKAT link to go to my shop Home Page.

And, you must travel a bit and check out the other fine shops participating in this Saturday Blog event at the Quilts Galore and More hub.

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Saturday Blog Shopper July 3, 2010

Hi everyone! It's time again for Saturday Blog Shoppers!

This summer seems to be going by so fast! It's already the weekend of the 4th! I hope everyone has a fantastic weekend and is able to take some time to relax and have some fun.

I've been extremely busy lately and have been listing quite a few new things in my shop, attending craft fairs, and generally running around like a maniac trying to get everything done!

(this is different how?) ;-)

To celebrate the 4th and to celebrate my new listings, I'm offering FREE SHIPPING on everything in my store for this entire weekend.

I will refund your shipping via PayPal or if you like, I can create a special listing for you. Just convo me in Etsy.

Here are some examples of the new goodies in my shop. Just click on the photo to go to those listings or this ARTISTIKAT link for my shop's Home Page.

Enjoy!

Woven Pailsey Earrings in Copper

Elegant Silver Coil with Blue Pearl

Inverted Hoops with Green Aventurine

Signature Swirls with Creamy Pearls

... and don't forget to check out all the wonderful shops at the Quilts Galore and More hub to see all of the creative goodies made by our talented crafters and bloggers! They all have such creative goodies!

Wow! See what came in the Mail!

This weekend I received the most wonderful surprise from my friend Rhonda at FigTreeBoutique on Etsy!

I'd gone to the mailbox and there was a package for me!

Beautiful Coasters from FigTreeBoutique... in use already!

See what I got! What a surprise! I'd been lusting after these chocolate reversible coasters for a while. What a sweetie! She said that she knew I liked them (probably from my repeated constant comments) and thought she'd send them to me.

She's got so many innovative things in her shop. Among them are some eco-friendly reusable sandwich bags like these. Sure beats having to buy sandwich bags over and over again.

I love these flowers

These kitty sandwich bags are so cute!

I never would have thought of making these! Rhonda is so clever, take a peek at her shop and see all the goodies there. It's definitely worth a look!

*Just click on any of the photos to go to that specific listing or click on the FigTreeBoutique link at the top of the post to go directly to her shop.

Thank you so much Rhonda; you made my day!

Saturday Blog Shopper June 19, 2010

Hi everyone! It's time again for Saturday Blog Shoppers!

I'm going to be at the North Asheville Tailgate Market again this Saturday. I'm pretty well prepared, but there always seems to be many more things I remember to do after there is no time left to do them. LOL

Stop by and say Hi if you are in the area. Also take a moment to stop by my Etsy shop.

Again this Saturday's special will be a straight 10% off anything in my store for the entire weekend (both Saturday and Sunday).

I will refund the discount via PayPal or if you like, I can create a special listing for you. Just convo me in Etsy.

Click the little banner below to take a peek at my shop.


and don't forget to check out all the wonderful shops at the Quilts Galore and More hub to see all of the creative goodies made by our talented crafters and bloggers!

At the North Asheville Tailgate Market

I had a jewelry booth at the North Asheville Tailgate Market this past Saturday.

Had a good time, learned a few things and made a few sales as well.

I'll be there again next Saturday. Would love to make a regular thing of it, but I'm happy to be there for these two weekends.

My husband took this photo of me when I wansn't looking. I hate having my picture taken (for obvious reasons) LOL!
Still in the process of setting up... don't know what captured my attention ... although there was a booth selling yummy scones... I should have had photos of those instead.

Saturday Blog Shopper June 12, 2010

Greetings!

Another week has gone by and it's time for Saturday Blog Shoppers!

This week I've been so busy preparing for the North Asheville Tailgate Market in which I will be a vendor. I've been trying to work hard and get a lot of stock ready, but life seems to have a funny way of intervening.

First there was the daughter's school project, monthly business report, and relatives visiting from out of town.
Well, Saturday is here; and for good or bad I'm as ready as I'm going to be.

WISH ME LUCK! (I think I'm going to need it)

This Saturday's special will be a straight 10% off anything in my store for the entire weekend (both Saturday and Sunday).

I will refund the discount via PayPal or if you like, I can create a special listing for you. Just convo me in Etsy.

Click the little banner below to take a peek at my shop.


and don't forget to check out all the wonderful shops at the Quilts Galore and More hub to see the myriad of clever items created by our talented crafters and bloggers!

Peacocks in North Carolina?

There must be something going around in the animal world these last couple of weeks.

My friend at Chiggerbytes Blog (ChiggerHill Cottage) has been visited by a pig lately.

Thought that was a bit unusual until we had a peacock wander into our yard!
OK... this was a first for me. Peacocks are not usually associated with western North Carolina.
He (or she) was happily strolling by inspecting the area... I would have loved to have it stay.
It would have added a bit of panache to our home don't you think?

Saturday Blog Shopper 06/05/2010

Happy Saturday everyone!

I'm happy to say I've FINALLY listed the Swirled Pearl Earrings in SILVER! So many of you have asked if I could make these cuties in silver and I finally got off my duff and did!


I'm feeling pretty good about myself right now, so to celebrate I'm giving FREE SHIPPING to United States residents and 1/2 off shipping for International customers on these earrings for both Saturday and Sunday!
... nope, I'm changing that... this shipping special will apply to any silver jewelry in my shop!

I will refund the shipping via PayPal or if you like, I can create a special listing for you. Just convo me in Etsy.

Click on the earring photo to go to that listing, or click on the banner below to go to my shop.


And don't forget to visit all the awesome shops at the Quilts Galore and More hub to see the myriad of wonderful items created by our talented crafters and bloggers!

Wordless Wednesday

Saturday Blog Shopper - May 29

Morning Everyone!

I've been racking my brains to come up with a clever Saturday Blog Special. After doing a bit of research, I found that the Saturday Specials people MOST appreciated were the times I gave FREE shipping.

I might make this my standard for the Saturday Blog Shopper Special . . . let me know what you think.

So, for this weekend (both Saturday and Sunday- May 29th and 30th) I am offering Free Shipping to all United States residents and 1/2 off shipping for International customers!

I will refund the shipping via PayPal or if you like, I can create a special listing for you. Just convo me in Etsy.

Click on the picture below to go to my shop.


Don't forget to go and visit all the shops at the Quilts Galore and More hub to see the myriad of wonderful items created by our talented crafters and bloggers!

Correct Way to Weigh

I've been struggling with my weight over the years as have many of my friends. I thought this tip would help everyone regarding the dreaded scales.

I didn't realize I've been doing it wrong over the years.

My weight is much better now...Who knew?

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Saturday Blog Shopper May 22, 2010

Remember Lili Von Shtupp in Blazing Saddles?

"Ain't it a crying shame...I'm SO tired..."

After this hectic week, so am I. ;-)

This weekend we can all rest up and I'll make it easy for all my wonderful visitors and give an even 10% off anything in my shop this entire weekend.

* No need to exert yourself and No need to remember to put anything in the notes to seller...you buy it, the 10% will be refunded to you via Paypal ...no muss, no fuss.
If you would prefer to have a special listing with the 10% already deducted just let me know and I will do that for you.

Click on this ArtistiKat link to go directly to my shop or click on the banner that you see below.


Don't forget to take a stroll through the other fine shops participating this week in Quilts Galore and More Saturday Blog Shopper Event.
These are talented crafters with awesome creations.

Have a restful Saturday!

Saturday Blog Special May 15

It seems an entire week has gone by and I didn't post anything...I feel like I've been spinning round in circles this entire week!

SO . . . I've decided to go with this general feeling and make everything that has a circle in it, or is round, on special for this weekend! (Saturday, May 15 - Sunday May 16, 2010)

If YOU can find any sort of circle in an item in my ArtistiKat Shop, tell me what it is and I will give you FREE shipping! This special is not limited to earrings or necklaces...if you can find a circle, you get the special. Just let me know what the circle is in the notes.





For example: This fetching pair of earrings has a circle

So does this necklace.; quite a few in fact.

These earrings are definitely round and the aventurine bead is also a circle.











The copper in these swirl earrings may not be totally round, but the pearl sure is.


You get the general idea?









By the way, while you're looking, you should check out all the clever and fantastic shops participating in Quilts Galore and More Saturday Blog Specials. These are groups of talented Etsyians showing off their awesome wares with specials for today.

Leave them a comment so they know you stopped by. Better yet, visit their shops and leave a heart if you can't buy.

Have a great Saturday!

Saturday Blog Shopping and ...

Hope everyone has a wonderful Saturday today!

I've been wishing the weekend would get here and it finally is. Speaking of wishing (nice segue here), I'm offering FREE shipping on my Wishbone earrings for this entire weekend!

* These listings have already been updated with the free shipping, so it's easy for you.

The Wishbone style is so versatile! It flatters almost every face shape and pairs equally well with a casual outfit or dressy evening wear.

I've gotten compliments every time I wear mine!

Evening Pool Wishbone Earrings (medium)

Spring Colors Wishbone Earrings (medium)

Just click on the photos to reach the individual listings, or follow my ArtistiKat link to go to my main page.Honey Drops Wishbone Earrings (long)

Be sure to follow this link to visit all of the other fine shops that participate in Quilts Galore and More Saturday Blog Shopper event.
You'll be glad you did!

These artists are really fantastic and have such a unique variety of items! Leave them a comment so they know you stopped by.

MAB Monday!

Here is a Truly unique and enchanting shop!

I have been lusting after MAB Jewelry's wonderful creations for a while now . . . the trouble is, I can't decide.

Each piece of MAB's gorgeous jewelry is handcrafted. She blends vintage and modern with the result of a TRULY clever style that is all her own.

Her shop is definitely worth a close up visit. She's always adding new and wonderful things.

One of my favorites ... Awesome stalactite necklace! I have not seen anything like it!

These earrings are fabulous! The delicate filigree just sets these off.

Click on the photos to take you to these specific listings or go to her shop using the link below.

MAB Jewelry on Etsy
MAB Blog
MAB on Twitter

Saturday Blog Shopper Event May 1, 2010

Morning Everyone!

This is the last weekend before Mother's Day and probably the last day to order something and have it arrive on time.

For this weekend (both Saturday and Sunday- May 1st and 2nd) I am offering Free Shipping to all United States residents and 1/2 off shipping for International customers!

So for all of you procrastinators out there that still need a Mother's Day gift for NEXT SUNDAY...it has just been made easier for you with No shipping!

Click on the picture below to go to my shop.

Don't forget to go and visit all the shops at the Quilts Galore and More hub to see the myriad of wonderful items created my our talented crafters and bloggers!

Dean Design: Home of the Original Purskey!

Dean Designs is an AWESOME shop I just have to tell you about.

Among the charming items in her shop; she has a unique collection of purskeys.

What is a purskey? Funny you should ask... Use them as a little bit of bling for your purse, as a keychain, jean dangle (my daughter loves this), zipper pull, and for the brides or bridesmaids a bouquet charm!Imagine this charming pink cluster paired with a bouquet of pink and white rosebuds! Beautiful!

These would make a fantastic bridesmaids gift that would actually be used AFTER the wedding too.

It can decorate their bouquets, and afterward be used as a keychain or whatever they wish!This would be charming with a pair of jeans or to add onto a purse to give it that little bit of panache'. Love the blue with the silver.

Click on the photos to go to the individual listings.

Take a peek at DeanDesigns on Etsy; and while you're at it . . .

Visit her Blog
on Facebook
and at Twitter