Handmade Toys for Christmas

Can you believe that Christmas is only 100 days away. It will be here before we know it. The weather is already starting to turn colder here in Vermont. The leaves are changing colors and I had to grab my sweatshirts out from my winter storage bin.
This year I am going to try and purchase more handmade items. It's great to purchase unique gifts for others and why not support the handmade artists while we're at it?
This past year has been crazy for so many of us - including me. I lost my job last September and remain unemployed. I know there are many others out there like me. So this year, let's support them by shopping in the handmade venues - whether it's Artfire, 1000Markets, Etsy or any of the other places out there. Of course my favorite is Artfire.
Here is a sampling of Handmade Toys that you can find on Artfire.










While you're on Artfire, be sure to stop by my studio and pick up some Handmade Finger Puppets.

TurtleMommy

How many of you have a little one who is always falling off their bike or getting bumbs and bruises from who knows where? I stumbled upon a great store this morning called TurtleMommy. She makes these adorable Ouchie Pouchies. Each bag is 5" x 5", is made with flannel fabric and is filled with rice. You can keep it stored in the freezer to place on bruises that require a cold compress or throw it in the microwave for a warm compress. For only $4.50 - every parent should have at least two of these.

Creations with Heart

The Power-Up Series of introductions on the Cafemom Artfire Team is coming to an end. Creations with Heart is up next and our last. It's been alot of fun introducing you to the Cafemom Artfire Team. I hope you have taken advantage of some of the great promotions offered by the spotlighted artist. If not, it's not too late.

Creations with Heart offers earrings, anklets, bracelets, necklaces, eyeglass necklaces and bookmarks. Julie, from Creations with Heart started making friendship bracelets in middle school. She had a ton of fun making and sharing those and it eventually grew into nicer jewelry. It wasn't until 2006 when she started creating again as a way of relaxing. She read beading magazines and searched the internet learning the basics and going from there as she caught on. She found herself making classic, western and paw print designs - very fitting for her. Shortly after, she had her own website, selling her own jewelry designs for the first time. Then Etsy came along and just this year, started selling on amazing Artfire. She's having a blast and continues to learn new techniques, bringing fresh, new creations to you.
Right now she is offering a special promotion during this Power Up Series. Get 10% off your order - just use ACTPROMO4 in the coupon code box during checkout.

SW Designs

We're nearing the end of our Power Up Intros on the Artfire Cafemom Team Guild. Today I get to introduce you to Stacey from SW Designs. Stacey sells beautiful jewelry - necklaces, bracelets and earrings. She uses a variety of materials in her designs - pearls, crystals and gemstones.

When she started creating jewelry for her children's school fundraisers, she started receiving requests for other items. From there she branched into making more jewlery. She now has a local store displaying several of her items, especially her jewelry sets.


During this Power Up promotion, she is offering 20% off all her items (exp 09/05/09). The prices have already been reduced in her store.


So what does Stacey like to do in her spare time? She's a stay at home mom to four teenagers. She loves to cook and when she gets the time, she loves to read.

I popped on over to SW Designs and wanted to share with you my favorite items.

Say Hello to Christie from Stitch'N Love

I was so lucky to have Christie sponsor a giveaway on my other blog, Front Porch Reviews. She gave away a beautiful Patriotic outfit. Christie's shop on Artfire is called Stitch'N Love Boutique. Besides the beautiful Patriotic clothing, she makes other children's clothing plus accessories for you and your child.

Christie has been selling online for a little over a year. She learned how to sew as a teenager and has always been interested in crafts. When she originally started Stitch'N Love, it was to make quilts. She then moved into handbags, hairbows, nap mats and then it exploded into making clothing. She now does a little bit of everything and hopes to have a full service online boutique.

I stopped by her Artfire shop to see what items caught my eye to spotlight here. Here are a few of my favorites:








Playtime TeePee
Kids LOVE to play and hide, why not let them play and hide in this indoor/outdoor playtime tepee?
Made from cotton fabric and birch wooden poles, they will have a wonderful time in and out of this play area. Tepee measures about 40" square at the bottom. Two preschoolers can fit inside! Even a 12 year old did! Poles are around 60". Poles are encased in the tepee but can come out for easy washing of the tepee if it ever needs to be cleaned! Door opening is about 25". The flaps can be thrown over to the poles for wide open entry or hang down for the little bit of "Privacy" that little ones love to have!
Can be set up indoors (great for watching cartoons and such too) or outdoors. Not advisable to keep outside for extended periods of time or in rain. Is not waterproof.


Oogle-Google Eyed Monster Pillow
Oogle-Google Eyed Monster isn't so scary. Actually, he is quite sweet and loves to cuddle! Those yellow teeth smiling at you let's you know that he is up to something!

Christie has offered a 15% discount to my blog readers. Use Coupon Code ACT2009 during the checkout process. Valid until September 2, 2009.

Everyday Moments

Today we are spotlighting a great shop called EverydayMoments. She's from Gainesville, Florida and has been taking pictures for 20 years. The jewelry on her website is made by her 8 year old daughter. I love mother/daughter collaborations on Artfire as that is what my shop, withourhands is about.

To the right is a print of her Love Tree. She turned the photo to black and white and brought back the red in the petals. I love the love tree.


Robin is also offering free shipping until 28th August 2009. Time to start your holiday shopping.

Bows for Baby

The last couple of weeks I have been introducing you to some of my fellow Cafemom Artfire Guild Members. Today we have Kelsey from Bows for Baby. Kelsey is also a member of my Homefront Guild (a guild for Military Family Members that sell on Artfire).

At Bows for Baby you can find Bug Bows, Crochet Sets, Hand Crochet Beanies, Hand Crocheted Booties, Misc Clips, Simple Clips, Stacked Pinwheel Bows - L, Tuxedo Clips, Large Pinwheel Bows, Mini Korkers, Small Pinwheel Bows, Tutus and more that values between $1-$25!!

My baby girl is now 17 years old and unfortunately she doesn't wear bows in her hair anymore. I wish Bows for Baby was around 15 years ago. I love the Butterfly Bows that she makes.

I also love these cute crochet booties.

Kelsey is offering 15% off everything in her store (excluding custom orders) during the next three days (expires August 25, 2009). So hurry on over and start your Christmas Shopping early.