Come check out all the great deals at my teammate's stores!

At MY stores, Hecate's and BeWitchy, receive 25% off listed prices and free shipping on orders $50 and over (total before shipping).  You can combine orders from both stores to get your free shipping.  Please wait for a revised invoice before paying.  I won't be home from indiana until Sunday or Monday, so please don't panic if you don't hear from me before Monday or Tuesday.  Mom finally got nifty high-speed, but I only get to see my family once or twice a year :)

20% off of one item and Free Shipping off of orders over $40!
http://www.hopscotchsquare.etsy.com/

15% off of all items
http://www.turtlemommy.etsy.com/

Free shipping on all:  Sensory blankets, Twisty Towels,
Baby Bibs, and Cloth Wipes.  Black Friday Only. 
Shipping will already be adjusted.
http://www.mamaslittlemonkeys.etsy.com/

Free shipping on all single flower pens.  20% off pen bouquets. 
Black Friday only.  Prices will already be adjusted.
http://www.fleurdeink.etsy.com/

15% off entire store
http://www.createmeacanvas.etsy.com/

20% off entire shop.  Free shipping on orders over $50.  Value packs
will be offered this day only on my Boobie Brigade Collection:  Buy a
nursing cover, get a FREE pair of bamboo lined nursing pads milk minders
with paid order.
http://www.jazzyjemz.etsy.com/

Black Friday Sale.  20% off all items in store and
free shipping on orders over $50.
http://www.childishthoughts.etsy.com/

Free Shipping!
http://www.beautifulbowbaby.etsy.com/

15% off my entire store and free shipping for orders over $25
http://www.bowsforbaby.etsy.com/

Free shipping!
http://www.keepsakesbyjanell.etsy.com/

Free shipping on all orders!
http://www.stitchnlove.etsy.com/

For Black Friday Only:  20% off of all items.  Free shipping on all purchases over $40.
http://www.ohhsopretty.etsy.com/

15% off everything in my store (even deeper discount on SALE items) and get a free
surprise tuxedo bow with every order!  Must put CEM in the message to seller upon
checkout and wait for a revised invoice.
http://www.shelleybeansbowtique.etsy.com/

Layla Legs--Free shipping on everything and then 10% off of $50 order
http://www.outoftheboxx.etsy.com/

10% off of everything in my store and free shipping on orders over $25.  Use code
BLKFRI in the message to seller at checkout and wait for a new invoice.
http://www.tarastieups.etsy.com/

Free shipping on all orders over $20.  10% off entire shop.  Black Friday - Sunday only.
http://www.seemommysew.etsy.com/

Black Friday only:  40% off everything in both of my shops.  No minimum purchase required.
S & H not included.  Must enter promo: Black Friday   in notes to seller at checkout for discount.
http://www.jacquijcrochet.etsy.com/
http://www.shutterbuys.etsy.com/

All earrings are only $4.  Plus bracelets are on sale too, and everything comes gift-wrapped.
http://www.brocklee.etsy.com/

15% off of everything.  Shipping not included, must put CEM in message to seller and wait
for revised invoice.
http://www.donotdisturb.etsy.com/

Free shipping as always.  10% off of everything on Black Friday.  Please mention when
ordering to get discount.
http://www.madebyjade.etsy.com/

10% off total order not including shipping (wait for revised invoice).  Plus free bow with
every order.
http://www.beacreative.etsy.com/

20% off all items in store.  Prices will already be adjusted.
http://www.luminousmom.etsy.com/

Free Shipping!  10% off total order on Black Friday.
http://www.jesscreations.etsy.com/

Black Friday Only.  All sock monkeys, sock plushies, and more will be ON SALE!
http://www.eleganthobbies.etsy.com/

15% off entire store.  Black Friday only!
http://www.momofmak.etsy.com/

Black Friday sale.  20% off all items, not including shipping.
http://www.tjb1127.etsy.com/

15% off all in-stock items.  Free shipping on ANY order over $29.
http://www.dawnberries.etsy.com/

Buy 2, get the 3rd half off.
http://www.mommyslittlehelper.etsy.com/

Free shipping
http://www.1maddieandme.etsy.com/

Buy two, get one free
http://www.ollieollie.etsy.com/

Hair pretties, children's jewelry, & key fobs.  Black Friday sale.  Take 20% off total purchase
(excluding shipping) and FREE shipping on orders over $10.  Order between midnight the 27th until noon the 28th to receive the discount.  Amount will be refunded after payment is made.
http://www.sweetsoutherndesign.etsy.com/

Black Friday Only!  10% off my entire store, and FREE shipping on all orders $40 or more (before shipping)
http://www.smox.etsy.com/

25% off listed prices AND free shipping on all orders over $50
http://www.hecates.etsy.com/

15% off all items and free shipping on orders $25 or more.
http://www.preciousangelbows.etsy.com/

10% off all items and free shipping (within the US) for orders $25 and over.  CEMBF in
in notes to seller.
http://www.cozycabinmom.etsy.com/

Black Friday Only.  10% off my entire store, and FREE shipping on all orders $25 or more (before shipping).
http://www.shopdavinia.etsy.com/

20% off and free shipping.  Prices and shipping will be adjusted to reflect sale price
and free shipping.
http://www.queenbeebows.etsy.com/

50% off all full size Puzzle Ball Christmas Ornaments (sale does not apply to mini-puzzle ball
ornaments)  50% off all pocket mirrors and keychains.
http://www.donnapool.etsy.com/

Black Friday 11/28- Receive free shipping (US ORDERS ONLY) and half off international shipping.  Please wait for an updated invoice before paying!  *Bonus* Receive a free clip set with minimum $10 purchase in addition to shipping discounts.
Saturday & Sunday 11/28-11/29 - Free clip set with any purchase of $10 and higher.
http://www.manda5462.etsy.com/

Spa sets are back!  Just in time for the holidays!  For Black Friday only, these sets will be listed for $15!  (Will be $25 after that)
http://www.bigblueeyes.etsy.com/

10% off (excluding shipping)
http://www.time4muzic.etsy.com/

15% on all orders!  Free shipping on all orders over $50, before shipping.  Free matching barrette with any tutu order.
http://www.bundlemeboutique.etsy.com/

Free shipping on orders over $20.
http://www.frecklesgalore.etsy.com/

Free shipping on orders over $50 (before shipping.  Free shipping to Silicon Valley everyday)
Buy three, get one mystery bath bomb free.
http://www.magnifique.etsy.com/

25% off and free shipping on orders over $50.
http://www.kenziewenzieboutique.etsy.com/

20% off entire order (excluding shipping) Black Friday thru Cyber Monday
http://www.tiarastutus.etsy.com/

Black Friday only-Free shipping in US.  Half off shipping International shipping.
http://www.lovetostamp.etsy.com/

Friday 28th & Sat 29th - Buy one, get one 1/2 off all items, including custom orders.  Excludes gift certificates.
http://www.starwalkerboutique.etsy.com/

10% off all items, excluding shipping.  Please wait for a revised invoice.
http://www.badcatjewelry.etsy.com/

Black Friday thru Sunday- Free personalized ornament of your choice from my store with each purchase.  Free shipping for orders over $40.  Please mention CEM in the message to seller.
http://www.halfpintboling.etsy.com/

10% off entire purchase, excluding shipping.
http://www.sophiecls.etsy.com/

10% off all fleece hats in my shop.
http://www.macandcheeseshop.etsy.com/

 

20% off any purchase starting on Black Friday through Sunday 30th.
http://www.viviludesigns.etsy.com/

 

Black Friday Only!! Adorable Woven Headbands & Bows. Buy one item and get the next of equal or lesser value free!
http://www.mylittlelady.etsy.com/

 

Get a free set of 12 embossed Christmas tags with any order of $15 or more.
www.andreastamps.etsy.com

15% off all items, and free shipping on all printed orders.
www.delightdesign.etsy.com

I'm in the process of taking new pictures of all of my stock in preparation for the holiday season which is JUST AROUND THE CORNER!  In an effort to encourage people to spread out their shopping pain and mine I'm sprinkling in a sale early :)

If you visit the shop you will probably notice that all of the new listings right now are gold.  That's right!  I do gold.  Did you know that?  And gold is making a fashion come-back this season.  All that lovely gold is 30% off of the listed price for the sale, which will last today 11/18 through Monday 11/24.

Please put "30% off sale" in your "message to seller" to receive the discount on your gold items.

Hecate's

Simple Swirl Gold $12.00

I have some more "gemmy" gems that I'll be using shortly, but I just HAD to make these.  Yesterday I was walking through the fabric store on my way back to get the yarn for my sister's Christmas afghan and I had to walk by the button display.  Since I don't really sew I was unaware that buttons came in such an amazing variety.  I mean, yeah, I knew that you could get different shapes and all kinds of colors and sizes, but I wasn't aware of the plethora of designer buttons available in a regular old craft/fabric store.  I came home with a small bundle and started creating.

Below are the first three button designs.  It's "Junque Fusion" and not just junque (or junk) jewelry because even though the buttons are not made from precious materials all of the findings are either .925 or .999 silver and hand crafted by me and the pearls and gemstones are genuine.

In order, they are poinsettias with pearls, star burst mosaics with carnelian, and cameos with pearls.
These designs have not been added to the store *yet.*  I hope to sell all three at the show on Sunday.  You're all coming to see me on Sunday, right?

YOU NEED TO COME TO THIS!!

On Sunday November 16 from 4PM to 7PM I will host my own jewelry show.  Don't worry, I don't make you sit in a little circle while I expound upon the virtues of every shiny thing in my inventory.  Rather, I'll have it all out on display for you to browse as you like.  I take Visa, MC, Discover, personal checks from people I know or guests of people I know, and cash.

You can special order.  You can get stuff customized.  You can have some snacks and socialize a little.

Please come as you are.  You may arrive anytime after 4PM and leave whenever it suits you.

Bring a friend to receive 10% off of your purchases.  If you attend and join my mailing list you'll be entered to win a $50 Hecate's gift certificate.

IF YOU'D LIKE AN INVITATION THAT INCLUDES THE ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER PLEASE EMAIL ME OR SEND A MESSAGE.

Visit the website for a preview of the kind of items you'll see.  

This is a cross-post from my MySpace blog.

Ok, so I'm an old fart as far as college is concerned.  It gives me some interesting perspective.  Hopefully I don't come off like a complete ass in class when I can't stop vomiting forth the superior wisdom these extra 12-13 years have given me, though perhaps it's the fact that I eventually shut myself up that's applicable in that case...On Friday in my senior seminar we were finishing our discussion of Philip Zimbardo's "The Lucifer Effect." Phil is the guy who did the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment back in the day.  Our discussion of the final chapter of the book lead to a question regarding how we can actually have a voice.  How do we make any difference in a system that is so wrong, and more importantly, how do we do that without being "disappeared?"  My suggestion for one way we can do that is to be conscious of where we spend our money. 
 
Everyone wants your money, including me, for instance.  Almost everything has a "brand."  Behind that brand is a person or group of people who spend the money brought in by that brand--YOUR money.  Deciding how you want your money spent goes beyond the basics of your monthly budgeting decisions.  If it matters to you that you have a voice a little bit of research can go a long way.

Think about WalMart, for example.  Does that make you feel momentarily helpless?  Yeah, me too.  But I don't shop there anymore, and I haven't for several years.  But you may still be asking what difference it would make to the big W (wait...is that...hmmm) if you, just *you*, spend your money elsewhere?  Not much.  However, the good news is that there are other people like you out there, and together people can make a difference.  As an example, recall the recent lawsuit travesty where WalMart sought to collect the $400k that their third-party insurer awarded to Debbie Shank, that terribly unfortunate woman who was permanently disabled while an employee there.  Do you really think they changed their minds out of a sense of fairness and good will?  PLEASE.  All the press caused a dive in their sales numbers.  People found other places to spend their money when faced with the almost daily news that WalMart was a heartless-bordering-on-outright-evil corporate conglomerate.  People just like you individually made the decision to speak with their money and it mattered.

Most of us don't have a whole lot of money to spend right now, but I bet you spend a chunk of your money on gas and groceries.  Have you ever taken a second to Google your grocery store or gas station brands?  Do you know how they spend your money?  Do they support a political candidate, or particular issues that would indicate which political party they might be behind?  Do you agree with their stance on the issues with which they choose to concern themselves? 

The reality is that some people have no or little choice as to where they shop for the basics.  I obviously don't support WalMart, and for more reasons than stated here, but I can't (and don't) fault people for shopping there if that's where they need to shop.  You may only have one place to get what you need anywhere near you.  You may be on such a tight budget that you MUST shop wherever the prices are lowest in order to make ends meet.  I've been there myself.  We hang just on the edge of that now. 

This makes it all the more important that those of us that DO have a choice spend our money wisely. 

How does this relate to handmade?  Handmade is not corporate big money.  Handmade will probably not get you the ear or voice of a Washington lobbyist. 
Handmade doesn't flatten land to build mega stores on year and then abandon them to ruin the next.  Handmade doesn't send jobs overseas.  Handmade does NOT rest on the backs of foreign sweatshop labor, lining the pockets of the already rich at the expense of the world's poorest.

Handmade might cost a little bit more, or maybe a lot more  Depending on what you're buying it might actually be cheaper.  Either way handmade lets you know exactly where your money is making its first stop.  You're one giant leap closer to the person who will choose how to spend your money.  It's money in the pocket of a person who's probably far more like you than the average corporate CEO, and who faces the same daily challenges you do.  Regardless of which party says what about fixing the economy, buying handmade helps directly support another person without being filtered through a corporate machine.  When you buy handmade you buck the broken system.  If you really have no clue how corporate money plays a part in our political process and the general functioning of our government and culture you need to go do some of your own research RIGHT NOW.  Seriously, log off of MySpace and go read some news!  Start by Googling "Halliburton" and go from there.

Can you buy everything you need handmade?  Probably not.  The reality is that such an endeavor is beyond the financial reach of most people.  For instance, my kids are small, and they either destroy or outgrow their clothes pretty quickly.  I buy resale or clearance for the most part and gladly accept hand-me-downs.  But when I want something special for my little girl I look on Etsy (particularly amongst my fellow CEM team members) for something handmade.  It's a special purchase and that money will go somewhere.  I would far rather it be into the hands of another human being and be used to pay her electric bill or to feed her family than into the hands of some corporation that pays its employees $7 an hour to do their dirty work for them.

You may not be able or inclined to rally, march, or generally protest for a cause.  You may realize that something in the world is very wrong and you'd like to change it but you don't know where to start.  Don't feel helpless.  Your money speaks with a voice that may well be louder than your own.  Make your money speak for you.  Buy Handmade!

Etsy has a neat feature: users can create and/or join "teams" with other sellers.  Some teams are based on location, some are by product type or market, and some are by personal characteristic or activity (moms and bloggers, for example).  One of the teams I belong to is the Cafemom Etsy Moms team, and we're having an October-long pre-holiday sale as a team. 

In my Hecate's and BeWitchy stores, from now through October 31, all items are 30% off. 

Team members have stores for just about everything!  Lots of women make childrens clothes and accessories, but you can also find crochet, ceramics, glass, polymer clay, paintings, photography, bath & body, and other jewelry artisans too plus more I'm sure I just don't remember right now.

Here's the full list of participating stores:
( Read more... )</div>

The Fall Frolic!!

It's this weekend.  Come see me and my lovely creations, and buy them!

Once this is over I plan on being in full pre-holiday swing, so look for many new and exciting items and promotions coming to Hecate's/BeWitchy in October!

JUST YESTERDAY I came home with a brand new Fuji FinePix S700, and all I have done so far is play with it!  I'm so excited!!!  The camera I've been shooting with is a six-year-old Cannon that we got from my parents before my son was born.  It's been a good camera, and it takes nice pictures, but I've struggled with it since I started selling my jewelry.  At first basically what it did was show off how inept a photographer I was, and I didn't need any help there.  After a couple of years the limitations of the camera itself finally started coming through (somewhat to my relief, really).  Part of the competition in artisan jewelry is getting good pictures.
Recently, on my cafemom etsy goup, a woman was singing the praises of this particular camera, also owned by another member.  I was really impressed with her shots, and so was Don, so we agreed to pony up the $160.  Undoubtedly the Cannon cost more than that when it was new, and there are certainly more expensive cameras available now, but I think this one might be a generation behind already, so that makes it the perfect camera for us!  I spent another $17 on a 2G--that's right--2 GIG card.  This morning I had the dubious pleasure of crashing my MGI Photosuite by attempting to edit 49 shots at once...lol.  At the highest quality setting the card will still hold over 500 pictures, a far cry from my 32 max on the Cannon.

So, since I've had an itchy button finger, I decided to shoot some of the jewelry I've made for the Fall Frolic.  Below is a nice preview.  NONE of this is listed at etsy right now, I'm just too busy prepping for the Frolic and filling a few special orders I had come in.  If you see something you want reserved just for you please let me know!  The lovely sunflower beads are courtesy of polymer clay artisan divadea.

My husband Don and I just came back from a planning meeting for The Fall Frolic, which is happening September 19-21, 2008 at Camp Netimus in the lovely PA Poconos.  We were there last year and we were honored to be a part of it, especially since it was the very first year!  Enrollment is already way up from last year, so we excited to be going again.

Yes, I WILL be a vendor at the Frolic '08.  If you're interested in seeing my creations in person this would be a great place to do it!  If camping in the woods is not your thing then convenient day passes are available.  There's even stuff for your kids to do, and yes, I'll be bringing those, too.

Come see us there, and spread the word!

For new stuff at Hecate's, I present two new pair of earrings.  The Fire Agate must be seen in person to be believed, and the Red Tiger Eye is also extraordinary.  Neither set of stones was especially picked from the strand, they both just happened to be at the end I cut.  These rocks ROCK!  Both pair are priced at $25 each.

Stock is going to start rolling out more frequently as I gear up for a couple of craft shows.  Check back often!

 

Quoted from their blog:
     

 The EarthPath Artisans Street Team (EAST) is having a Gypsy Design Challenge! Team members have taken their         interpretation of what the word "Gypsy" conjures up for them, and created new pieces in a variety of media.

The purpose of this challenge is not to win prizes or compete with each other; rather, it's a way to build team camaraderie and inspire us to explore new themes and stretch our creative muscles. And for the winner, it means a little extra attention from an adoring public! Winners will be posted on the blog and on Etsy.

So stop by the EAST Challenge page on Flickr http://www.flickr.com/groups/earthpathchallenge
to see pictures of the entries, and then go vote at the EAST blog
http://earthpathartisans.blogspot.com
You can also see many of the entries in the members' shops by visiting the team shop's favorite items page.
http://earthpathartisans.etsy.com

Voting ends July 21st.
We'll see you there!

My entry is the pair of "Moon Dancer" earrings from BeWitchy, and I just discovered that I *do* have the findings to make another pair of these.  Yay! 
Please go vote for me :)

And I'm having another productive week.  After crocheting that bracelet over the weekend I got to creating and actually shooting some more stuff.  Woohoo!

To the store I have added the necklace that matches the Rainbow Bauble Collection, earrings and a matching necklace in luscious mahogany obsidian, some very fun and patriotic earrings (look for them to be on sale soon), and an African Opal and 14k gold-fill necklace and earrings set.  Oh yes, and a toe ring!

If you're buying two matching items in separate listings you can take 15% of the listed prices.  For instance, if you purchase the Mahogany Obsidian Necklace and the Mahogany Obsidian Earrings together in one transaction it will be 15% off of the price of both excluding shipping.  All you have to do is wait to pay until I send you a revised invoice.  How easy is that?

Here's the toe ring.  It's the most comfy toe ring ever.  I can even sleep in mine.  SInce it opens and closes on TOP of your toe it does NOT pinch underneath!

I've spent the last couple of weeks (re)learning to crochet so I could transfer it to wire working.  Voila!  Last night I created this awesome bangle.  It's 24 gauge copper, 2 1'4" wide, and has a 2 1/2 diameter when rounded.  It's very flexible as you can see from the side view, making it very easy to put on and take off.  The bracelet is NOT lopsided, the appearance in picture #3 is the result of the shooting angle. 

It isn't for sale yet in the store because I'd like to make another for practice.  If *you* would like to be the recipient of practice bracelet #2 please leave a comment.  The price is $20 plus shipping, and I will make an etsy listing for you.  With the amount of work these take I can't imagine I'll offer another one at that price again.

I've been wanting to create some kind of bauble set or bauble and earring combo for a while now, and I finally have the first one complete.  This is The Perfect Thing if you want an instant bauble wardrobe, and it represents exactly what this design was supposed to be good for when I came up with it.  You get every color of the rainbow plus black and clear--something to match everything!  At only $40 it's a steal.

   
"The Rainbow Collection"



In other news, my most recent Etsy purchase was from Anita's Crafty Creations.  I bought her Oat & Honey soap, the Chai Tea soap, and some Vanilla Lip Balm.  I can't wait to try it all!  The Chai soap is for me, as I am an avid fan of all things chai.  It smells as promised, like a bar of chai tea goodness!  The Oat & Honey is for my son who has my eczema.  I have a feeling there will be some kind of familial battle over this lip balm.

In even more news, I am now officially a member of three different Etsy teams.  Teams are kind of a fun way to network at Etsy and are based in part on some common characteristic.  My teams are: Cafemom Team, POEST (Pagans of Etsy Street Team), and EAST (Earthpath Artisans Street Team).  I'll be linking to all of their blogs as soon as I figure out how to go about that...

If you read this far you get a prize!  Through June 21 checkout at any of my three stores and put "I read the blog!" in the "message to seller" to receive a 20% discount on your order (shipping costs are not discounted).  Wow.  On the set above that would make it $32, or just over $20 cheaper than buying all of those pieces separately...

I took the HUGE leap of joining one of Etsy's Teams, the team for Cafemom Etsy Moms. We're a bunch of crafty women who have kids.
From what I've seen, there are LOTS of sew-ers in the group, and they do THE CUTEST STUFF! One woman makes dresses from pillow cases, or at least pillow case patterns, and they are so inexpensive...Abby is on the verge of wearing those and nothing else all summer!


Her shop is http://ChildishThoughts.etsy.com
GO THERE!

To see all of the crafty stuff these women produce, visit the blog:
http://www.cafemom.com/group/6632

Why?  Why, you say?  Well, it seems like everyone else is doing it.  And, when you're in the business of selling things, maximum exposure is definitely desirable.  Sure, I have a MySpace page and I blog there, but it isn't specifically devoted to JUST Hecate's and BeWitchy, personal stuff tends to bleed in. 

SO, I'll be posting here at least once a week to let all of my wonderful customers and potential customers know about new stuff, sales, and anything about my creative process that happens to strike my fancy.  The posts here will be eerily similar to what you could get in my news letter.  Sign up for my newsletter!

Right at this very moment I have two things going on in the Hecate's world: A nice nice Mother's Day sale, where everything is 20% off the listed price, AND two items listed on eBay.  When I list on eBay you can be sure you're getting an awesome deal.  If you ever have a question about the value of a piece just visit both places and compare!