Handmade Guru

Pizza

2009-11-06T16:50:00.007-07:00

Today has been nuts. That's too be expected when the Little Black Boxes go on sale! Woot! Today is also Pizza Night. We do this every single Friday so in honor of our weekly pizza and movie night I'm bringing you none other then lots and lots of pizza. Enjoy!

Pepperoni Pizza scarf by Diane Langan

Supreme Pizza Magnet by Maeleigh Rain Creations

Pizza Pizza soaps by Sapone Soaps

Crocheted Play Pizza Food by Crafty Anna

Slice of Pepperoni Earrings by Little Gals Studio

Ricki’s Pick of the Week: Smint Pouch from Mint Workshop

2009-11-06T06:08:00.001-07:00

Last week I was on a business trip to Houston (I was travelling all day last Friday which is why I did not post a pick last week). To carry my make-up, I took a Smint Pouch I had won last year from Mint Workshop. I love this thing! It is very sturdy and I could really cram a lot of make-up in it (and I am a make-up junkie). The one I have is very retro looking with an orange back ground and brown and white overlapping ovals. As it is a year old, I don’t see the same print in their store, but I do have a ton of cute fabrics. I really like this Mod Chocolate Flora print.

Handmade Black Friday

2009-11-06T00:29:00.003-07:00

Yesterday a few girls on my Facebook were like, "Yo Kim! What the heck is going on with Black Friday?!" I've done a Black Friday event 2 years in a row but for some reason I just didn't feel like there was really a demand for anything until they mentioned it and then suddenly I had nearly 100 people adding the Handmade Black Friday Fan page today that I created. That's when I was scratching my head trying to figure out how to do something extra wonderful for Black Friday.

Black Friday, the biggest shopping day of the year, takes place on Friday November 27, 2009 this year. I've created an amazing Fan page on Facebook and fans can post their sale info as often as they want in that group but I also want to do something a little extra special here on the blog. Let's turn the blog into a winter wonderland for our dear Guru Girl and have the best of the best.. the creme de la creme of sales available here all morning long.

All you have to do is email me your sale info (kim@thelittleblackboxes)- it must be so stinkin' good that I won't refuse. Then if approved the morning of Black Friday I'll be flooding the blog with special sales from top notch businesses looking to earn our business with sales of all sales! I'm taking 50% off, free shipping, buy one get one, giveaways and the whole thing!

So who's all with me? Are you looking to shop until you drop? Do you want to stand out from the crowd and have your sale listed here? I'll be charging $5 which is payable via PayPal for your listing plus the time I will take advertising the event for all of us. I'm also going to be looking for special giveaways throughout the day on Black Friday to keep traffic flowing all day long.

Get in touch! I look forward to hearing from you!

Carvel Country Soapworks

2009-11-05T10:27:00.002-07:00

You better not pout. You better not cry and gosh darn it you better have been a good boy or girl this past year otherwise you'll be finding some real junk in your stocking and under your tree this holiday season.

Thanks to a little exposure care of moi, Carvel Country Soapworks, might be a little busier this year creating even more Lump Of Coal Glycerin soap sets for all of you that are looking for gag gifts or even legit gifts for the kids. I think I've been a bad girl so most definitely I'll be expecting some of this at my home this year.

Each set comes with 4 "lumps" of soap and you can even choose the scent you want. Thank goodness! I was hoping it wouldn't come smelling all funky like coal. I'll take the Black Licorice scented ones please!

Sapphire Lizard

2009-11-05T10:07:00.002-07:00

Halloween night I was all decked out in my Halloween garb, which actually just consists of a rusty orange sweater and some comfortably fuzzy brown and rusty orange socks when the mail came and tucked inside a little envelope was this totally cool ring from Sapphire Lizard.

I love surprises! I especially love cool surprises out of nowhere! This cool new ring really made my whole evening and I even wore it out trick or treating because it was so cool!

Their Mosaic Ring was turned into a Fall themed one just for me! I love all the deep reds and rust colors so when I asked if one could be made like that for me and they said yes I was ecstatic! Here's an emerald colored one that looks just like the one I got but in different colors. It's such a fun big ring that it is practically weightless. J'dore!

Theme: Leaves

2009-11-05T06:36:00.003-07:00

Autumn is really here as the trees are shedding their leaves. We did not have much of a Fall here, so a lot of the pretty colors were missed. These, items, however, have some great color:

Woodland Twig Necklace in Copper by Just Peachy

Copper Leaf Earrings by Lucinda’s Charms

Dream Ecofriendly Journal by This Is It

SET of 2 Deep Teal Etched Metal Artwork by Copper Leaf Studios

Combo Bag - Vintage Repro Blue Leaf by Retrofied

Simplyswt Designs

2009-11-04T12:59:00.003-07:00

I got Anna here today. My mother watches 5 year old Anna a few days a week because where we live Kindergarten is only 2 1/2 days a week. I love it when she comes over because she totally fills my void at not having a little girl of my own and lets me act all girly and fun. Today she picked out my earrings and we sprayed each other with handmade perfume goodness.

Then she explained to me that her mommy will only let her wear stud earrings so we did a little bit of shopping on Etsy looking for cute child like studs. We found these sparkly lady bug earrings at Simplyswt Designs. I purchased them immediately.

Anna and I can't wait for them to arrive so she can be the princess that she really is!

Flying Bird Botanicals

2009-11-04T11:22:00.002-07:00

Like many of you I've started my Christmas shopping this holiday season. Unfortunately I no longer have a yummy handsome man to purchase for this year. I know most of you do however so I'll still keep my eye out for fun gifts for you to purchase that are handmade and gift worthy.

I found at Flying Bird Bontanicals this shaving kit which looks very nicely put together. The after shave is scented in Bay Rum and the shaving soap is scented in Mountain Spice. Yep, total man scents all for that special man in your life that you're trying to convert to a handmade lover so he'll finally get our addiction.

This shop is located only 20 miles from me and I had no idea about that until mid way through my post so there's even more reason t0 purchase! Tell this business that we sent you!

Cold Plasma Giveaway

2009-11-04T11:19:00.000-07:00

Cold Plasma from Perricone, from Perricone MD website. This product is recommended for any age and any skin type! Here is more info from the website.

"Cold Plasma represents Dr. Perricone's most comprehensive and efficacious work to date. Formulated with a revolutionary patented ionic-suspension carrier, Cold Plasma delivers all the nutrients skin cells need to help repair and regenerate.

For the first time ever, your skin will experience what Dr. Perricone refers to as biochemical individuality. Regardless of how many or how few targeted nutrients are needed by each cell, this carrier system ensures optimal delivery of nutrients to help correct the ten most visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, redness, discoloration, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness, and loss of radiance."

One Handmade Guru reader will win, this Perricone Cold Plasma $150 value and the winner can be a US resident only!

Here is how to enter:

Please leave me a separate comment for each entry completed. This giveaway will end Wednesday November 11, 2009.

1. Go to Dr. Perricone, and then come back here and let me know what product you are interested in trying.

2. Subscribe to my blog over on the left hand column! Then let me know you did.

Optional Entries:

3. Tweet this giveaway, then link me to the tweet.

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog, with a back link to Periconne Cold Plasma, and to my giveaway post. (5 extra entries)

5. Grab my button over there on the left hand bar and put it on your blog or site.( 3 extra entries)

Disclosure: So far I have not tried this product, however in return for this giveaway post, I was promised a free Perricone Cold Plasma in return. No other compensation has been given.

Fun & Funky Retro Magnets is in the Box!

2009-11-04T06:44:00.002-07:00

One look at my fridge and it is obvious I collect magnets. I even divide them up by what type. The side of the fridge against the cabinets is for ad magnets, the side above the dog bowl is for memo pad magnets and calendar magnets, the bottom door is for vacation magnets and other generic ones like that, and the top door is for cool indie and handmade magnets. If I get a magnet from Fun & Funky Retro Magnets in this month’s TLBB, it will definitely be going on the top door. I just adore this Sprinkles Ice Cream Cone magnet – and it is even scented like a waffle cone.

For Stitches Sake

2009-11-03T12:43:00.002-07:00

Those of you with children are totally going to want to check out For Stitches Sake. These hats are just too cute for words and are such a must have for every child during the quick approaching cold weather.

I'm loving the acorn hat especially. All hats are made to order so if you are planning on picking one of these up you need to except a 7-10 day turn around time. It's especially to know stuff like this during the holiday shopping season. Plan ahead! The acorn hat would be totally cute for a little boy and then there's the cute apple hat for little girls. Too cute!

Oh to have a little kid around! No, I'm not going to work on that just so buy one of these however I do a special friend of mine who's pregnant with twins and I can't wait to do some serious handmade baby shower shopping for her!

Jewel of the Lion

2009-11-03T12:36:00.002-07:00

I just got home from grocery shopping and all of the Thanksgiving and Christmas stuff is out. Seriously, this is totally the best time of the year. All the crazy flavors of ice cream, coffee creamer, and candy.

It's also the part of year that I hate the fact that I just worked so hard working 80 lbs off my body. Yep, that's right, I have lost 80 lbs since April. It's official! I'm working on being me again. Out with the old and depressing and totally moving on with my new and improved life minus the bad stuff that was bringing me down and making me want to eat to curb the pain. I still working on my goal and hopefully soon will be there! It just time.

Jewel of the Lion and their Aunt Helen's Pumpkin Muffins don't do my diet justice though. I love pumpkin! I love muffins! Why oh why must these sound so good?! Thankfully I can share them with you and hope that you give this new shop a huge hug with your wallets for me.

3 Things I Would Buy From: Tea for All Reasons

2009-11-03T06:43:00.002-07:00

I love loose leaf tea. I have two tea companies that I buy from regularly, plus I will always stop by Teavana when I go to the mall near me that has one, but that does not mean I cannot keep my eye out for more wonderful tea companies, too. These at Tea for All Reasons tempted me as I was browsing Etsy:

Pecan Pie - Rooibos Tea

Lotta Colada - Specialty Blend (Rooibos/Green Tea Blend)

English Caramel - Black Tea

Tess*Mess Studios

2009-11-02T11:19:00.002-07:00

I'm a little bummed out. I recently discovered that a majority of my family is going to Mexico for Thanksgiving instead of staying home this year! My fondest memories growing up were the huge family gatherings at my aunts house and I want those same traditions for my children. Looks like me, the twins, and my mother will be the only ones celebrating together this year. Thank goodness we have each other at least.

I'm mostly heart broken because I found these adorable place cards at Tess*Mess Studios that I would love to use for a big Thanksgiving gathering. I think they are so clever and the shop is brand spankin' new so I really want to show it some love.

If you're planning a big get together and you're looking to add a little extra added love to your Thanksgiving table these would be just perfect and make you look like such an amazing hostess.

Nikki Makes Scents

2009-11-02T10:50:00.002-07:00

I hope some of you know what I'm talking about. Have you ever seen those bags of pine cones right near the front of grocery stores right when you walk in? They smell like heaven. These pine cones smell like strong cinnamon and spice and almost immediately remind me that Christmas is right around the corner. It's almost like they place the pine cones right there at the door just to make you go in happy and spend more money. Dang those people!

At Nikki Makes Scents they have these scented pine cone firestarters that come in a 6 pack. Place these in your fireplace for an aroma filled fire. Use them to decorate and scent around your home or around your Christmas tree. They come in many scents and all you have to do is request which one you'd like.

Anything cinnamon like is fine by me!

I Want: Dark Chocolate Raspberry Filled Truffle Cupcakes

2009-11-02T06:51:00.002-07:00

In the description of these Dark Chocolate Raspberry Filled Truffle Cupcakes, it mentions that a customer called them “better than sex” and I believe it. These sound super rich made with dark chocolate and a raspberry jam filling. They are topped with a dark chocolate ganache. Yum! The Fancy Lady Gourmet has many more mouth-watering goodies, too.

Bliss Candles

2009-10-30T09:08:00.002-07:00

I decided to go easy on you and not make the whole day really freaky. As much as I thought the nasty finger clip and the jaw bone bowl were cool I think there's some of you that would much prefer me to just stick to normal stuff like some neat candles!

I found a candle jar trio from Bliss Candles that caught my eye because of the warm and fuzzy Autumn scents they were made into. Each jar is 16oz. That's 3 lbs of candles! The scents included in the trip are Pumpkin Spice, Vanilla Hazelnut Pumpkin, and Hot Apple Cider. Now, if that doesn't sound good then I don't know what does!

Mother Macabre

2009-10-30T08:47:00.002-07:00

I'm bringing out the creepy stuff this morning. It's almost the big day, tomorrow to be precise. I was awoken this morning to two kids pouncing on me.. reminding me that today was their big Harvest Party. Yep, that's right. No more Halloween in the schools. Too many people don't believe. Ugh.

We plan on having a million trick or treaters if it isn't pouring down rain on us. Our neighborhood is one that gets slammed and I so wish I would have found this crazy bowl from Mother Macabre sooner. My boys are with me this morning as it's not time for school and they have the biggest eyes as they are looking at the pictures of this jaw bowl. I wish I would have found it earlier. This is one of those things that treat or treaters would just love!

Just Me Jewelry

2009-10-29T09:31:00.002-07:00

Really? I actually got the shivers when I first saw this early this morning. I was so grossed out that I had to share so that you can could all get grossed out with me. Terrible right? See, I do love you!

At Just Me Jewelry, if I would have been more on the ball and shared this WEEKS ago, you could have creeped out the entire world with this bloody finger hairclip. Ew. It's so realistic and.. severed?

Totally gross but so appropriate for this time of year.

They Clay Pony

2009-10-29T09:24:00.003-07:00

Ok, well now these are only appropriate considering Halloween is 2 days away. Too bad I didn't find them earlier because these earrings totally would have had people doing a double check at them.

At The Clay Pony you'll find this totally creepy Ouija Board Earrings. They are made with polymer clay and hand painted with acrylic paint, and sealed with a gloss finish. The pictures in the center are a printed images of my own digital drawing which is sealed with resin to protect it.

The Ouija Boards measure 1" high by 1 1/2" wide and hang from silver plated hooks. Spooky!

Theme: Candy Corn

2009-10-29T04:41:00.007-07:00

What is Halloween without some candy corn? I love the stuff, but cannot eat more than a few pieces at a time, so here are some much better options:

FALL SPICE CANDY CORN COASTER TOWEL SET by Peganders

Candy Corn Swirl Polymer Beads by Until It Ends [Studio] Geek

Prim Candy Corn by The Quilted Pumpkin

Candy Corn on Brown Pillow Cover- 14x14 inches by Modernality

CANDY CORN Wax Tart Melts by The Clack House

Elpy

2009-10-28T08:54:00.002-07:00

In September Elpy joined the Little Black Box with these tiny wooden hand burned magnets. I was completely amazed that these magnets were not stamped like they appear to be, but actually designed by hand and done so beautifully. Many of my box buyers got to check out how cool they are and now I'm taking the time to show the world some of the neat things that Elpy has for sale.

I can seriously never decide on a set of coasters that I want to purchase. Every single time I finally make up my mind there's another set that I want almost immediately. I found these Puzzle Pieces Woodburned Coasters and just had to share. Each coaster is sealed multiple times to protect the wood and make clean-up easy. There is cork on the flip side.

Way too cool!

Jojoelle is in the Box!

2009-10-28T05:04:00.005-07:00

Jojoelle is one of the b&b companies talked about often on b&b boards. I have never ordered, but their scrubs have me drooling. Since I love scrubs so much, I keep looking at their Mini Bubble Scrub Set which includes 5 2 oz scrubs in a large choice of scents. In this month’s TLBB, they had samples of their lotion in Pumpkin Lavender, which, while I am not a lavender fan, was a unique take on two popular scents.

Otis B

2009-10-27T10:58:00.002-07:00

Lately I've turned into a personal shopper for people via all of my networking sites and email. I get a handful of emails a day from shoppers asking me where to find this or where to find that. I think it's pretty amusing and also a lot of fun because I do get introduced to lots of really cool businesses because of my line of work.

I spend an awful lot of time on Etsy and yesterday I was asked about great birthday present ideas and I found these earrings at Otis B that I want for myself! Screw buying them for someone else! Why oh why must my boys need Winter coats and Halloween costumes?! Mommy wants earrings from Otis B!

These earrings are composed of baby blue hued faceted turquoise from the Sleeping Beauty mine in Arizona. These turquoise briolettes are different from regular turquoise as most know it because it has much less matrix (the black lines that run through turquoise), it's harder and has much higher luster, so when it's faceted, as these are, they sparkle like no other!

Wah!

Intentions

2009-10-27T10:34:00.002-07:00

I think I might have a new favorite soap company. I was sent a message on Facebook yesterday asking me who my favorite companies were. I have a couple but when I went back to look at my top 3 or 4 I was reminded of who I thought my true favorite must be right now.

Intentions truly does it for me. I haven't had the funds available for a splurge but I have seen their samples and they are top notch. I mean just look at how beautiful they are! They are like true works of art! The Berry Me soap is so pretty and fruity. I've actually sniffed this one and it's really good. However, for the holiday season I'd probably pick up the Holiday Pear. Just look at how pretty it is?!

Don't even get me started on the Pink Sugar ones. Ugh! I want them all. Anyone listening that just might be looking for something great to get me for Xmas - I'd be thrilled with a bar of this from Santa!