Times And Chimes

Moving

2010-11-29T18:07:00.001-08:00

Hello friends! I'm so sorry I've not blogged here since February! A lot is going on in my life. I will try to catch you up.

My husband, two sons, and I are moving to the Denver, CO area in just a week and a half! My husband has taken a job with the city of Denver. We are currently searching for a house online and setting up times to view homes this weekend. We will then drive a 26 foot truck across two states the following weekend.

I will be homeschooling the boys through the remainder of the year. This will be an exciting adventure and I'm sure I will grow to be an even more frazzled mother! @_@

As far as Times And Chimes goes, I am not sure how my move with affect the business. As you know, Times And Chimes is comprised of my lovely mother, Deb, and I. We currently live right next-door to each other, which has made it so easy to create together. We still have items in our shop, and the shop will remain open. The part that I'm unsure about is how often we will be getting together to create NEW items. I am sure I will be visiting at least once a year and I hope Mom and I will be able to work on new birdhouses and crafts then.

For now, I am pondering starting yet another blog, this time for my journey as a new Colorado resident and homeschooling mother. I will let you all know if and when I get that new blog up, and would love to be friends with you there!

I hope the holiday season is bringing comfort and joy your way! xoxo Angie

They still need our help

2010-02-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

Hello! I continue to lend a hand in Etsy's Hearts For Haiti shop. Donations and sales have slowed, as the devastation in Haiti has moved further behind in the headlines. I am saddened by this, yet proud of all Hearts For Haiti has accomplished in the aftermath of the Haiti earthquake. We are striving to promote the shop as we climb toward the $30,000 mark. I believe we can do it, together!

Hearts For Haiti on Etsy

The Official Hearts For Haiti Blog

Haiti Brooch $12

Ceramic Beauty In Hearts For Haiti

2010-01-24T14:13:00.000-08:00

I have been truly honored to be a part of the Hearts for Haiti team on Etsy. I first heard about the Collaboration Shop in the Etsy Forums. I knew immediately that I wanted to donate some items from our Etsy shop, and also help with the work behind the scenes.

My first job was to open new Forum threads to promote the shop. Next, I took on listing some of the many donations that were being sent in. This was a big deal for me, because I secretly HATE listing items on Etsy! In our shop, I take the photos, and Mom does the listings! But because I had a purpose, to help those in dire need, I sucked it up and did my part, listing some unique and lovely items.

Recently I have started working in the Hearts for Haiti inbox. I go through donations, tag them, and send them out to volunteers to be listed. I also help tackle lost listings, relistings, and any problems that may come into the inbox.

My favorite part of being a part of the Hearts for Haiti team is the sweet friendships that have been cultivated while working so hard on a common vision. I am blessed to be a part of something bigger than myself. We are making a difference. Together.

Featured here are some gorgeous ceramic items on sale now in Hearts for Haiti on Etsy.

Dove Lidded Ceramic Ring Box $22

Nesting Hearts Ruby Red Set of 6 $42

Ceramic Red Floral Pendant $16

New Treasury!

2010-01-22T18:08:00.000-08:00

Please click to visit this Hearts For Haiti Treasury!

Handmade, trying to save the world...

2010-01-18T19:52:00.000-08:00

A Heart For Haiti ~ Hammered Copper Bangle

My heart is broken for Haiti. I have been working almost non-stop as part of a great team of Etsians in a collaboration shop called Hearts For Haiti. Due to the giving hearts of the Etsy community, we have raised over $3000 so far for Doctors Without Borders!

If you are an Etsy seller- please consider donating to the shop. Donation instructions can be found on the shop's Policies Page .

If you are a lover of handmade- please take a look around and see if anything strikes your fancy! So many gorgeous items have been lovingly donated, and all have free shipping, most world-wide!

I feel so honored to be a part of this! ♥

Hearts For Haiti on Etsy

Hearts For Haiti on ETSY

2010-01-16T22:37:00.000-08:00

Please Visit Us!

Hearts For Haiti on ETSY

2010-01-16T16:23:00.001-08:00

Hey friends. I'm sorry I've not been around since the holidays. I've been neglecting my blog. It took a great subject to break me from my blogger slumber. I'm so excited to tell you about Hearts For Haiti on Etsy!

Hearts for Haiti is a collaboration of hundreds of Etsy sellers, doing what we can to support the earthquake victims in Haiti. The concept was born and bread in the Etsy forums a few days ago, and the shop took flight in the wee hours of the morning today.

I ask you to consider participating, whether by donating an item from your Etsy shop, or by purchasing an item for yourself!

All proceeds will benefit Doctors Without Borders.

Please help.

Thank you!

Vacation Time!

2009-12-17T12:04:00.000-08:00

My husband and I are heading to Ontario tomorrow evening! This is our belated honeymoon trip (married last March). Steve is from Ontario and so I will be meeting all his relatives, most for the first time! We are stopping at Niagara Falls on our way and I can't wait to see that!

I made an ETSY Treasury out of excitement for my trip!

This will be my last post for a week or so. I'll be home for Christmas though, so look for me then! ~Angie

Decked out

2009-12-16T20:49:00.000-08:00

Our Holiday Tree, full of handmade ornaments by the children and hand painted ornaments by Mom. Full of joy and love and memories. Just like this time of year.

Showing Off!

2009-12-14T21:02:00.000-08:00

My youngest "baby" got a haircut tonight! Isn't he sweet? His name is Punkin.

It cometh quickly...

2009-12-13T18:17:00.000-08:00

I've been thinking a lot about the upcoming new year and our ETSY shop. I'm starting to make a list of things I want to do. For one, I think I'm going to set up a DESTASH section to move out some vintage and antique items I've collected. These are items I intended to use on birdhouses, but then found out they just wouldn't work. I also want to go through and mark down some prices on some of our oldest houses. I would love to move them out of the studio to make room for new work. I am also thinking of expanding our line to include paper products such as cards and tags featuring birds.

What are your ideas for the new year?

Mom and Pop Shop

Porcelain!

2009-12-12T20:36:00.000-08:00

Mom and I found these wonderful, weighty porcelain ornaments at Michaels the other day! I love playing around with them! This one turned out nice enough to list on ETSY!

Pink & Brown Dots On Creamy Porcelain Ornament

Nathan turns 10!

2009-12-04T14:22:00.001-08:00

Here's a post on a personal level. My oldest son turned 10 yesterday! I've been a mom now for a decade! How did this happen? Time goes by so fast. I am so proud of my boy. I thought I would share these photos with you! Enjoy!

Cyber Monday- Last Day to save!

2009-11-29T16:26:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow is the last day for our big Holiday Weekend Sale! Save money and get wonderful handmade items for your loved ones! Click here to browse our Sale Items and also check out our Free Shipping Section!

It's Black Friday!

2009-11-27T14:23:00.000-08:00

FREE SHIPPING SALE!

New Banner!

2009-11-22T09:05:00.001-08:00

I got a new banner for the ETSY shop! Isn't it wonderful! I enlisted the services of enchantedmemories. I highly recommend this ETSY seller who has a special gift with graphic design. She has a shop full of banners, avatars, ads, and total shop packages, and she is so good at custom work! I told her what I wanted and she came up with exactly what I had in my head! I am just so thrilled with this seller!

Please go visit enchantedmemories on ETSY with any of your graphic design needs! I promise she will not disappoint!

Harmony House

2009-11-21T11:00:00.001-08:00

Look at the stunning job Mom did on this custom order! The woman wanted her family home painted on an ornament, and supplied a photo. Mom worked so hard on this and I think she did an awesome job! Look at the detail!

Want to order your own custom ornament? You can do so at Ornaments By Deb on ETSY!

A Love For The Holidays

2009-11-19T16:41:00.000-08:00

Click here to view my latest Treasury up close! Lots of unique and wonderful holiday items!

Mom had a Front Page Treasury! Go Mom!

2009-11-19T05:18:00.001-08:00

Are We There Yet by Ornamentsbydeb

I'm so proud of Mom! This is only her third treasury she's made and it's on the Front Page of ETSY! WOW! She's a great curator!

The Details Won Me Over

2009-11-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

Don't you just adore my splendid vendor apron!? I do too! It was made by the talented team of ETSY's Strawberryona! Kathy and her friend are so talented. The true beauty lies in the details of the apron. And the fit is so good. Strawberryona takes your measurements to be sure your apron fits like it should! Each seam is expertly sewn, leaving you with a high-quality garment you can use for years and years!

If you're in need of a cute vendor apron, hand crafted crocheted goodies, or holiday ornaments, head on over to Strawberryona today!

Craft Show Blah

2009-11-16T05:43:00.000-08:00

I look happy in these photos, but that just reflects my pride in my booth. Sales were a flop at the craft show this Saturday. I was sad about the turn out and even more disheartened about the lack of sales. People were interested, yes, and we received a lot of great feedback, but purse straps were held tightly.

At first I was afraid it was the birdhouses, or the prices, but after all the great comments and watching many other vendors go through the same thing, I realized it's just the current state of the economy. People are being very careful with their money and let's face it, a birdhouse doesn't fall in the "need" category for the average family!

I'm chalking this one up to experience and I feel good about what I've learned. I look forward to doing more craft shows because now I know I CAN do it! Next time we will choose one in a larger town, though.

Loaded up!

2009-11-13T12:35:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow Mom and I are doing a Holiday Craft Show in Lamar, MO! We have the SUV all loaded up! We have our display screens strapped to the top, and the inside is full of birdhouses, ornaments, bags, giveaways, and our little overnight bags! What a load! We have a two hour drive to Lamar from Branson... I hope everything stays where it should!

I'll make a post Sunday or Monday after the show! Have a great weekend everyone!

~Angie

I love making Treasuries!

2009-11-12T17:10:00.000-08:00

Holiday Heart Treasury

Almost time!

2009-11-09T19:31:00.000-08:00

Mom and I are still gearing up for our craft show this weekend in Lamar, MO! Here's the most recent house we made! I love the scotty dog cookie cutter!

Woof Woof!

Fill this heart with love... and Starbucks gift cards!

2009-11-06T16:32:00.000-08:00

Mom and I spent the day cutting and weaving together Danish Hearts for the ornament shop. We're using some of the prettiest seasonal paper I've ever seen. These are turning out just gorgeous!

Perfect for holding candy, flowers, a small gift, or even a gift card!

You can find Danish Woven Hearts in many colors and patterns here on ETSY!

Trying my hand at a new skill...

2009-11-05T19:16:00.000-08:00

Today I painted some little reindeer ornaments! I'm a little unsure about them, but listed them on ETSY in the ornament shop anyway. I hope someone likes them!

I like seeing my initials on the bottom. Makes me feel proud!

Let It Snow Reindeer Ornament and Red Nosed Reindeer Ornament

Candy Cane Ornament Stand

2009-11-04T12:43:00.000-08:00

Continuing to prepare for our craft show. Here is one of Mom's ornament display racks! Candy cane cute! We just have to finish painting it and staple garland around the sign. I think it will look so cute with Mom's creations on it!

Practice, Practice

2009-11-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Mom and I are doing our very first craft show in a week and a half! We made this folding screen to hang our birdhouses on! Isn't it great? I was practicing this morning so I could get a feel of what it will be like at the show. I'm really pleased and excited. We'll post actual photos of the show after it's over. Wish us luck on November 14th!

Have you ever?

2009-11-03T17:53:00.000-08:00

I am just so proud of these shabby chic pink birdhouses! Part bubble gum- part goth- all original! I love the creating process! We had these old, ugly gold frames and I could just see the finished product in my head! I told Mom "we need pink birdhouses!" and she thought I was a little crazy! But I think they turned out super cute! What do you think?

Pink, baby!

Holiday Decorations 101

2009-11-02T06:52:00.000-08:00

It's totally time to start thinking about your holiday decor! I don't know about you, but I'm a sucker for ornaments! I just adore these cool blue trees from titchables on ETSY. Check out her store for more puffy delights!

Christmas Pom Tree Decoration- Cool Blues

When does the holiday season really begin?

2009-11-01T20:04:00.000-08:00

Well Halloween has come and gone, and now the sweet feeling of the Winter Holiday Season is drifting into existence. So when do the holidays begin to seem "real" to you? For me it is today, the first of November. Tomorrow I'll take down the bats and pumpkins, and put up more mums and leaves. The black cat on the piano will be replaced with my porcelain pilgrims and the air will turn colder with each passing day. Are you ready? I truly am!

Enjoy these delish holiday goodies from Times And Chimes and Ornaments By Deb;

Candy Cane Cabin

Personalized Mitten Ornaments for Boys and Girls

A bright sun-shiny day!

2009-10-30T15:25:00.000-07:00

The sun finally emerged today! I was able to get out and photograph some new birdhouses! Check out this funky flower house with bright orange and red details. I just love the way it looks hanging in this tree! So bright and friendly!

Funky Flower Birdhouse

Where is the sun?

2009-10-30T05:32:00.001-07:00

I realize it's Autumn and the days are getting shorter, but where, oh where, is the sun? We've had dreary, rainy skies most of the season and it's just getting so old.

How has your weather been?

Here's a little sunshine to get my day started off right~

Sunshine Yellow Butterfly Birdhouse on ETSY

100 Followers Strong!

2009-10-27T07:41:00.000-07:00

A special thank you goes out to AquarianBath for being this blog's 100th follower! My we've come a long way from being a bitsy new blog! :)

Click here to visit AquarianBath on Etsy! You'll find yummy soaps, lip balms, and salves!

Cinnamon Soap

Holiday shopping begins on ETSY...

2009-10-19T15:11:00.000-07:00

Today I received the Sleevy I bought for my best friend for Christmas! Isn't it cute! I'll have to order myself one soon!

You can check out Sleevy's Etsy shop HERE! Enjoy!

I love handmade!

2009-10-16T17:23:00.000-07:00

My handmade slippers arrived today! Thank you ScreamingCheeToes!

Click here to get your own slippers!

So happy to be featured!

2009-10-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

Jaimie B Designs featured Times And Chimes on her blog!

Read all about it here!

Thank you, Jaimie!

Cranberry Freshwater Pearl Earrings by JaimieBDesigns

Treasury West

2009-10-13T15:09:00.000-07:00

Be Still

I love handmade!

2009-10-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

I just purchased some sweet slippers from ScreamingCheeToes on ETSY!

Spring Day Slippers by ScreamingCheeToes

Happy Thanksgiving to Canada!

2009-10-12T12:35:00.000-07:00

My loving husband, Steven, is Canadian. He has a maple leaf tattooed on his left arm. Look at the leaf he found yesterday! So beautiful!

One Wonderful Year!

2009-10-11T13:59:00.001-07:00

HAPPY ETSYVERSARY TO US!!!

Come on over to Times And Chimes to celebrate with us!

Take 25% off your purchase!

The Treasury That Love Built

2009-10-10T14:16:00.001-07:00

I was inspired this week when I saw an Etsy Forum post where someone was offering spots in a Treasury West to people who commented on the Treasury. What a neat idea! So today I set up a Treasury, then posted an invitation in the Forum for people to come comment and be added! And they came! And this is the Treasury that love built! Enjoy!

You're Invited

ETSYVERSARY SALE!!!

2009-10-09T21:53:00.000-07:00

To celebrate our very first ETSYversary this weekend, we are offering a HUGE discount on our birdhouses! Come on in and purchase your favorite for 25% off before shipping! Either wait for revised invoice, or we will refund your discount via Paypal.

Come Celebrate With Us!

Row Houses For The Birds

Halloween Treasury

2009-10-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

I curated a treasury full of Halloween goodies!

Click and Comment if you wish!

Do you have a favorite?

2009-10-08T10:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend Mom and I are having a SALE at Times And Chimes, because Sunday is our first ETSYversary! Do you have a house you like, but you've been waiting on it? This weekend may be the best time for you to indulge yourself and your neighborhood birds!

More on the SALE can be found on our ETSY shop announcements.

FREE SHIPPING!

2009-10-07T06:23:00.000-07:00

Today we're offering FREE SHIPPING if you buy us off Wimsy's Etsy BNR Treasury! You can purchase any ornament, not just the one listed in the Treasury, and the shipping is on us! And the best thing about a BNR is that an item from YOUR shop will take the place of the one you buy! It's a fun way to promote yourself and meet new people!

Here's the link! Happy Shopping!

Friendship Ornament from OrnamentsByDeb

Sly Fox

2009-10-06T06:26:00.000-07:00

And here is my latest Etsy Treasury, featuring wonderful woodland beauties. Doesn't it just "feel" like Fall? Here in Branson the trees are beginning to change color and drop their coverings. It's rainy today, and cool. A good day to stay inside and find a good project. I think I'll do a bit of organizing in our studio. Did you see how messy it is in my post from yesterday? My goodness, I crave order, but it is so hard to establish!

You can view the Treasury here! Click and comment if you wish!

Lonely

2009-10-05T15:11:00.001-07:00

I'm lonely. My sweet Mom, the other half of Times and Chimes, is visiting our family in Kansas. I'm here in Branson, holding down the fort.

The studio is quiet. There are a handful of houses in mid-creation, and many collecting dust. I constantly battle with our workspace! There must be a better way to organize it all and keep the completed birdhouses in good order. Does anyone else struggle with their creation station?

Baby Doll Blue Treasury

2009-10-02T15:08:00.001-07:00

It's been awhile since I made a Treasury. I've had this one sitting in my Poster Sketch for some time now and am glad to finally have it in the Treasury list!

Please come visit!

I love my Momma!!!

2009-10-02T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! My Mom opened her very own Etsy shop today! I'm so proud of her! She is selling her one of a kind, hand-painted ornaments! She will even personalize them for you! Mom's been selling her holiday ornaments for many years locally, and not a year goes by when we family members don't get our very own personalized, special ornaments. I have quite a collection!

For now, I'll show off one of Mom's personalized Snowman Family ornaments. This one was made for my brother and my niece.

Please visit Mom's shop to show her some of that loving Etsy support!

Ornaments By Deb

Treasury

2009-08-19T09:37:00.001-07:00

Click here to view my current treasury!

Show Off!

2009-08-16T10:42:00.001-07:00

Unique Etsy Finds Rock My Life!

Look at the adorable planter I bought on Etsy! So cute and utterly unique! This find came from

Puzzle-Bo-Buzzles, a shop that specializes in handmade puzzles but also has a nice array of vintage pieces for sale. I'm using it to hold a few shoots of bamboo, and though I took it outside for lighting to get a good photo, it actually lives in my kitchen window. I just love my new kitties!

Online Interview

2009-08-13T12:53:00.000-07:00

Mom and I did an interview with Etsy's Indiana Street Team and it's now posted on their fabulous blog!

See the Interview, complete with a photo of Mom and I here!

Spring Sprang!

2009-03-24T13:55:00.000-07:00

Things are really greening up around our parts. How about you? We have tulips and daffodils blooming, and the redbuds just caught fire with their gorgeous purplish tips this week! Here are some new photos!

Here's one of our neighborhood woodpeckers going after the suet! He's so big!

A new birdhouse being guarded by a gnome in Mom's garden!

A little cottage has a nice view of a newly opened tulip! And there's one of the ducks I got for my birthday last week! Isn't he sweet!?

Update from the MRS....

2009-03-22T15:16:00.000-07:00

So I feel like a lame blogger, but I got married last weekend and I must say it demanded a lot of time and energy to prepare! I'm back in the game now, though, and sure to be posting more as Spring continues to lend itself to photo-taking and birdhouse building! For now, I make up for my absence with a little photo I took last week! My bridal shoes! See you soon!

~Angie

Chosen Feels So Good!

2009-03-12T11:53:00.001-07:00

In case you hadn't heard, tomorrow Rosie O'Donnell will be hosting a Shop Live event in the Virtual Labs at 3pm (EDT). You can read about it here:

http://www.etsy.com/storque/events/shop-live-with-rosie-odonnell-3576/

She has chosen items from some of her favorites shops to show off (and hopefully sell) during the event, and one of them is ours! We are honored that Rosie chose our Row Houses For The Birds to be a part of her lineup! Hope you all can join in on this fun LiVE event! See you there!

Row Houses For The Birds

Almost Spring!

2009-03-08T17:11:00.000-07:00

Hello to my little neglected blog. Life has been busy and hectic and I have been ill. Today I am feelilng better and wanted to post a little bit and also show off my new treasury.

The treasury is in honor of the book and movie Coraline. I read it to my little boys and then we went to see the movie. The movie, as usual, is quite different from the book, but we loved both and I encourage you to enjoy them for yourselves!

Click here to view Little Girl Lost

Thanks for stopping by and I hope to be visiting all of you more after my wedding next weekend when life will return to a steady, slower pace!

~Angie

The world is white and sparkly!

2009-01-28T15:29:00.000-08:00

A gorgeous Robin in our persimmon tree...

Today is day three of ice and snow in Branson, MO. We were happy, though, when the sun emerged, and we ran outside to play! I was able to get within four feet of this amazing robin to take her picture! The birds have just been going crazy since the ice hit! They are all over the trees, and eating the feeders empty every day!

Stop by to browse our Ice Day Sale! All items in the Sale section are $5 and under and all have free shipping!

Brrr! Ice Day Sale!

2009-01-27T09:18:00.000-08:00

We're iced in! To celebrate, we're having a Free Shipping Sale in our Etsy Store! So come on over and peruse our

SALE Section!

For Crown and Country... and maybe a Prince

2009-01-26T14:01:00.000-08:00

Click here to view and comment on Sister Feud!

Oh this was a fun Treasury to make! I started with Hattie Albino, a fabulous and haunting print by AmberAlexander. This artist does amazing work and I really encourage you to check out her Etsy Shop. She brings such human emotion to the animals she paints. Some are adorable and some seem almost menacing. I love art that evokes feelings, whether welcome, or uncomfortable. To me, an emotional connection is the true value of art.

Once I had Hattie in place, I went in search of regal items to accompany her. While searching for "goth lace" I ran into the Victorian Inspired Neck Corset and the model struck a similar chord as Hattie! Brilliant!

So now I had two beautiful ladies. I went in search of a Prince. Instead I found a Frog. But he really looks like he could be a Prince if only regal lips would find their way to his slimy skin.

I added in some ruby red items, a vintage jewelry box, and some fearful citizens, and there you go! A Treasury that tells a tale of menace, greed, and heartbreak. Please come pay a visit and leave a comment. :)

Valentine Treasury West

2009-01-26T06:43:00.000-08:00

My Darling, Your Valentine Awaits...

Here's my Valentine Treasury West! So many sweet items! Please come visit and look around!

♥

While I wait for the Treasury to open...

2009-01-25T21:33:00.000-08:00

Oh it's been forever since I've done a meme! I used to do them all the time when I first joined Live Journal several years ago! I should have known they'd be around Blogger as well!

I have been tagged by MaryMarsh! I will now list 8 random things about myself and then tag 8 other bloggers. Here goes!

1. I met my fiance on Live Journal!

2. I was Prom Queen!

3. I still have the tiara!

4. I hate ice in drinks- I'd rather drink it warm!

5. I have a heart-shaped birthmark in my armpit!

6. I have a matching one on my arse!

7. I have three large tattoos and can't wait for my next!

8. I'm crazy about cold kid cereals! I can eat a box a day!

Here are the 8 people I am tagging- feel free to participate but don't feel bad if you can't! :)

1. Bookwormz

2. Bonz

3. SpunkbyCM

4. Julie-Ann @ Heavenleighart

5. ButterCup @ Worksofartbysara

6. Dana @ DlPom

7. BoutiquebyBonnie

8. Steve (my fiance) @ Environmental-Perspective

Longing for Spring

2009-01-25T19:53:00.000-08:00

Bird Gazing

These are my cats, Lily (petite, in the window) and Spooky (large and downcast). During the warmer months you never see these two indoors. But it's Winter now, and you can see they are quite depressed about it. I keep the kitchen window sill mostly cleared off to accommodate furry perchers. They sit and stare at the bird feeders, and you can just see the want in their fuzzy faces. Soon the weather will clear and they will be out hunting once again. But for now, the finches, cardinals, bluejays, and occasional woodpecker rule the porch. :)

Featured in Treasury West!

2009-01-25T08:07:00.000-08:00

Thank you, bubbletime, for featuring our Tip Your Hat Birdhouse in your Treasury!

Click here to view and comment!

Then go check out the curator's shop! Lots of cute items there!

Advancing On

2009-01-23T20:21:00.000-08:00

Little Vintage Friends

Come visit us on Flickr!

So I started a Flickr account for Times And Chimes. I'm not sure if it will affect business, but I've seen a lot of people mentioning Flickr in the Etsy Forums. If nothing else, it is another opportunity to make connections with people, and to find more unique handmade items for myself! There are sooo many photos on Flickr! You can browse around and search for almost anything at all!

Do you remember the days of film and film developing? So many rolls just never made it to the store- just sat in a drawer and began to disintegrate. Technology amazes me. What we do each day on Etsy was absolutely unheard of in the not-so-distant past! Just look how far we've come!

Smooshy Mooshy

2009-01-22T19:55:00.000-08:00

Vote for your favorite "I Love You" items on Etsy!

Heart's Desire Birdhouse

Oh my stars! Mom and I are so stunned to be included in Etsy's How Do YOU say Love Poll! There are so many great items to choose from! I voted for this wicked original card;

Card by paperstories

My fiance is an Environmental Scientist, so of course, I'm contemplating getting him this Valentine! It's so clever!

Should I have voted for myself? I've never felt right about doing so. What's your opinion?

♥ ♥ ♥

Peacock Cafe

2009-01-22T13:21:00.000-08:00

Click to enter The Peacock Cafe!

Here's my newest Treasury West, Peacock Cafe! Can you see why I named it so? I love these creamy, dreamy items! There is such an intense display of talent in this treasury. Every shop is filled with lovely, unique items! I encourage you to go look around, and maybe even shop a little!

Give a little love away!

2009-01-21T15:53:00.000-08:00

Valentine Art by BeeDazzlesGifts

Have you heard about Etsy's Share Your Love Project? If not, click away to see the Storque article! The gist is that Etsy is inviting all of us to make and send, or purchase and send, Valentine cards to them to hand out to Meals On Wheels recipients! As if doing something kind in the name of love isn't enough, Etsy is setting up a showcase of participating shops! Isn't that nice!

I "ran" right out to my favorite card maker, BeeDazzleGifts, whom I've purchased many cards from in the past, and she put together a custom listing for me. She is so kind!

Do you have a favorite card maker? Do you make your own cards? If so, I encourage you to reach out and lend a hand in Etsy's Share Your Love Project! It will make you feel so good! ♥

New Treasury!

2009-01-19T20:19:00.000-08:00

Click here to view my new Etsy Treasury!

My inspiration for this Treasury was the cute pink Newsboy hat featured in the top middle. Isn't that a fantastic little photo!? She inspired me to find other "news-worthy" items to share!

Do you have a current Etsy Treasury or Treasury West? If so, link me in the comments! Did you know numerous clicks and comments help push a Treasury toward the Front Page of Etsy? That's why I seek out Treasuries made by my friends and look at each of the items! It's fun to promote one another in the kind spirit of Etsy! Carry on! :)

The Love Of Handmade

2009-01-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

My kitchen window bluebirds ♥

Want to know a secret? I'm WILD about handmade pottery. Like WILD- totally. I'm going to tell you about one of my very favorite Etsy shops- Mudhutt ♥

Live, Laugh, Love Magnets $12

Mudhutt uses little bits of clay to create gorgeous works of art. Her style is simple and friendly. Sweet words, little hearts, flowers, and bluebirds grace many of her works. She makes magnets, pendants, dishes, and hanging designs for home and garden.

Seek Bliss Wall Tag $12

I do hope you take a few minutes to go peruse Mudhutt over on Etsy. I'm sure you'll find something you'll love! I've given her pieces as gifts and kept some for myself. I find joy each time I look upon my sweet handmade treasures!

You know you look good!

2009-01-17T20:50:00.000-08:00

Click to view my new Treasury West- I am PRETTY!

Do you have a current Treasury or Treasury West? If so, link me in the comments! I would love to go support you and the artists you've chosen! :)

Handmade Goodness

2009-01-12T18:06:00.000-08:00

Soft, warm, red, and handmade with ♥

I just love getting packages in the mail! Last week I participated in a Treasury that Etsy user sosorosey held in honor of her friend's birthday. Because I purchased a little item from her dear friend's store, sosorosey gifted me with one of her handmade yarn bowls! She even let me choose the color! I chose red because it's just such a vibrant and warm color to have around the house, and I especially enjoy red crocheted items.

I'm not sure what I'll do with my little red bowl. I put my cell phone in it. Then I tried some change. Then some lipgloss. Then some vintage buttons. Nothing seems to fit it just right yet. I'll keep trying and let you know!

Time to get dolled up!

2009-01-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Click to see my treasury, Carnival Time!

My inspiration for Carnival Time was the fine art photo "Step Right Up" by Etsy shop Everydaymoments. I've had it saved in My Favorites for weeks! I had to find the right mix of green and cream colored items to go along with it. I ended up concocting a story in my mind of a young girl in the 1950's, getting ready for a date with a handsome young man. She has just the right accessories and she watches the clock as she slips on her shoes and puts on her shrug.

It's fun to imagine! :)

Do you have a current Treasury on Etsy? If so- link in the comments!

Finch Pair

2009-01-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

Well look here! Two colorful finches are snacking away!

I think it's safe to say this house feeder is a hit! I think I will make more like this to put up on Etsy!

Test Run Cutie

2009-01-10T17:03:00.000-08:00

Aww, can you see the sweet bird butt in this picture? This was taken from our kitchen window, so it's a little blurry and dark, but I tried to lighten it so you could see the... robin? I'm unsure, but it did have a blush-colored chest. So yes, we'll go with robin.

Robin is eating from a unique little feeder/house I made. Let's call it a prototype. I used two copper colored tin molds for feed holders and screwed them onto the front of one of our handmade birdhouses. I wanted to test it out before I made another to sell on Etsy, so we nailed it up next to our other feeders on the back deck.

The first day it was up, the birds acted as if they didn't even notice. I knew, of course, that they DID see it, but they were being very, very wary. I mean, this could be a trap, right?

So we waited and watched and waited and watched. Then today my fiance brought me the camera and showed me this shot! Hurray! I was so pleased!

If I make another like this for Etsy, I will need to remember to drill a few draining holes in the tins. Otherwise it will become a birdbath as soon as it rains. :)

Mom completed some really original houses today! By the time I saw them, it was too dark to photograph them, so that will have to wait until tomorrow. But I can't WAIT to get them up on the Etsy shop! She did some really neat things with perches that I think will really impress some bird-loving folks!

Until then, thanks for reading my blog and have a wonderful weekend! ~Angie

Blue Bliss Treasury West

2009-01-08T13:11:00.000-08:00

Click to view this Treasury

Here's my latest treasury! I just LOVE creating treasuries! Have you tried it? If you'd like to learn how, check out this wonderful Etsy article. Making treasuries is a great way to become part of the Etsy community. You are able to show off your favorite items, and help promote the stores you enjoy! In return, people get used to seeing your name in the curator's position at the top of the treasury, and sometimes you may get some views too! I always send convos to the people I feature. I usually get happy replies and thank yous, and I have even had people feature me in their treasuries as a thank you gift! Besides all the promotional fun, making Etsy treasuries is a fun creative outlet- something I can do in the evenings from the warmth of my own home, without having to work too hard!

The payoffs are great! Make a treasury today! :)

Gratitude

2009-01-05T18:06:00.000-08:00

New Listings!

Ok, how fun is my job, seriously?! I have found such joy in making birdhouses with my Mom! It's been a great opportunity for us to enjoy each other's company, put our creative minds together, and really do something that is rewarding! I am thankful for this!

Farewell, Friendly Holiday

2009-01-02T17:17:00.000-08:00

Today I packed away the holiday decorations and we took down the tree. I suppose it's a bit sad, being that I adore my holiday decorations. Most of them are handmade by myself and my mother, and others are gifts from loved ones. It's sad to put things like that away in the attic! I swear one day I'll have a house with a Christmas Room where it will be snowy and candy cane stripes year round! Until then, farewell to my festive friends.

Photography

2009-01-01T17:44:00.000-08:00

Before

Today we had sunny skies and bearable temperatures. Finally, a good day for photography! :o)

I've been going through my Etsy Listings and trying to better my photographs, descriptions, and tagging. One by one, I choose birdhouses, take them outside, search for the right place to display them, and try my hand at steady, clear photography. Once I'm successful I upload new photos and edit my listings, and often renew a few items every few days. It's nice to see the shop beginning to evolve into a more professional venue.

The majority of our online sales come from brand new Etsy accounts, or accounts that have little feedback. This tells me that we are generally sought out through the search tools and what lands our sales is likely our photographs. These observations drive me to get out and try to improve my photography skills every day that I'm able.

After! Click here to see the listing on Etsy!

New Treasury

2008-12-30T21:02:00.001-08:00

I just LOVE creating treasuries! It's wonderful to take my favorite items and sellers and group them into lovely displays! I know I am always thrilled to the gills to be included in a treasury, and I believe everyone on Etsy feels that way!

Click to see my new Treasury, Cozy Winter Reds

New and Renew

2008-12-30T20:27:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my blog! My Mother and I began selling our birdhouses on Etsy about two months ago. We are so thrilled to have had some success online and locally!

Today was so spring-like! It would have been a great day to get out the tools and construct some new birdhouses, but instead the family and I went to play tennis! Tennis at the end of December!

We did have one sale today, which frankly was a very pleasant surprise! I expected a dry spell after the holidays, but common sense now tells me that I am still buying on Etsy, and others are too! I am not the only after-holiday Etsy shopper! *gasp*

I renewed a few listings today, bringing some beauties up from the back! This rustic white house is happy to be on page 1 again! :)

Click to view our Rustic White Filigree Beauty