Handmade Louisiana

Cards for Cancer

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 07:22:00 +0000

The first annual Cards for Cancer will take place on April 10, 2010 and Handmade Louisiana is among the groups participating in the event. What is Cards for Cancer? Cards for Cancer is a worldwide event focusing on letting people with cancer know others are out there thinking of them. Having cancer can often be lonely. Sometimes something as simple as receiving a card provides an uplifting of ones spirit. Cards for Cancer sponsored by Spirit Jump and Bloggers Unite.

Groups participating in Cards for Cancer have the opportunity to honor someone who has been touched by cancer. Handmade Louisiana had chosen this year to honor the memory of Jonathan DiLeo. Jonathan was an amazing person and a friend to everyone he met. He was the best friend of one of our member's daughter and he is greatly missed every day.

Each group chooses a cancer center to deliver the cards to on or before April 10th. We will deliver our cards to the Mary Perkins Cancer Center in Covington, LA. In addition to the cards, some of our members have offered to donate items as small gifts for the patients who received treatment at the center. We hope that these offerings of comfort and hope help cheer and lift up the recipients' spirits.

To learn more about Cards for Cancer please go to http://cards4cancer.org. More information about Spirit Jump can be found at http://spiritjump.blogspot.com.

February Craft A Long Voting Time!

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 04:17:00 +0000

It's time to vote again! Our theme for the team for February was New Orleans/Mardi Gras/Love (any or all of that!) Please choose your favorite among these awesome contenders!

1. Saints Inspired King Cake Handmade Soap from Amelia Amos Soaps

My soap shows my love for the Saints, king cake and how can you get more New Orleans than Black and Gold King Cake SOAP!? WHODAT!

2. Mardi Gras Applique Shirt from BayouMoon

Green shirt appliqued with purple and gold felt mask--complete with jingle bells!

3. French Quarter Earrings by Etco

Gorgeous vintage Fleur De Lis, hand aged with a beautiful Verdigris patina. The finish has an uneven distressed look. Hang from antique brass earwires

4. King Cake Necklace by Flambeaux Design Company

This king cake is created using polymer clay, drizzled with polymer clay icing, then sprinkled with real cinnamon and a crafty version of colored sugar. The pendant is securely attached to a 16-inch chain and closes with a copper hook & eye clasp

5. Mardi Gras Oyster Shell Wall Clock by Art on the Half Shell

Hand-crafted Oyster Shell Wall Clock featuring a dozen Oyster Shells set like the hours around a pearly white dinner plate with accents of purple, green and gold sea glass. The 12 o'clock hour is embellished with a real 7mm pearl.

6. Fleur De Lis Soap on a Bead Rope by Embellished Bayou

Fleur De Lis Soap on a Bead Rope from Embellished Bayou perfect for Mardi Gras!

7. Mardi Gras Hand Dyed Silk Scarf by Splendiferous Fiber

by SplendiferousFiber.etsy.com 100% habotai silk 10.5 x 65 inches, hand dyed

8. Illusion Knitting Fleur De Lis Dishcloth by GarSticksandStrings

This deceiving dishrag looks like a plain beige and black striped cloth but, when viewed from an angle it is revealed that there is a hidden fleur de lis!

9. Fleur De Lis Luminary by Hurricane Pottery

We lit candles, we prayed, we crossed our fingers, we made bets, we wore our lucky whatevers, we partied with friends and held on tight....all this for the love of our Saints!

That's all folks! Vote for your favorite on the left sidebar and share this with your friends! Remember, Handmade Louisiana supports all artisans in and from Louisiana and surrounding areas--buy local--buy handmade!

~~Amy

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:09:00 +0000

Pink and Green Damask Key Fob- Wristlet by LilasBowtique

Member Artisan Profile: PachaMamma

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0000

I’m pleased to introduce Janie, artist/owner of PachaMamma's Handmade Gifts for baby, child and mother. Janie creates sewn gifts, including toys, shopping cart covers, baby slings, nursing covers, personalized books, burp cloths and more!

The Monroe, Louisiana based artist got her start at a young age, making doll clothes and doll quilts. “My mama is a wonderful seamstress/crafter and she taught my sister and me how to do the same,” she explains. “Now I do it as a creative outlet. “

Janie’s creations are tried-and-true. “Every item in my store is something that I have used for our son,” she says, “so they are all cute but also very practical items.”

One of her favorite creations is the ‘My Body’ book, for which the customer provides up to eight photos of their baby’s features. Janie edits the photos, clearly labels each with the body part -- eyes, ears, hands, tummy, hair, etc. -- and creates a fabric-backed accordion book. The book comes with a matching cloth case personalized with the baby’s name or initials. She says, “I made one for my son and love that a baby can learn their body parts while seeing their own pictures!”

As a stay at home mom, Janie’s biggest challenge is finding time to create, but the effort is well worth it, she says. “I get to share a little part of myself with others. “

Her favorite piece of advice for other sellers? “Get active on crafty blogs, Etsy chat rooms, etc. to promote your store. And, don't be bashful! “

Are you curious about her shop name? Here’s what she says on her Etsy shop announcement:

“Pacha Mamma is the South American ‘Earth Mother.’ She is celebrated as one who sustains and promotes life. It was not until I became a mother that I could identify with this, and feel a connection to every mother, past or present, human or not. Let us all celebrate the 'Earth Mother' within ourselves as we sustain, support, and nurture those around us.”

To learn more, visit:

http://www.pachamamma.etsy.com/

http://www.trahanshappenings.blogspot.com/

Winner of Latest Giveaway Is:

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 03:58:00 +0000

Etco---AGAIN! Lucky number 3!! I SWEAR I'm not rigging it :) Here's proof:

Congratulations Etco! :) I'll contact Metry Chick and let her know you won !

Thanks to all who entered!
~~Amy

New Orleans Craft Mafia needs your swag!

noreply@blogger.com (MissMalaprop) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 22:42:00 +0000

The New Orleans Craft Mafia is proud to once again sponsor the Alternative Media Expo, presented by Antigravity Magazine. The Alternative Media Expo ‘10 is scheduled for Saturday, April 17th from noon-6pm at the warehouse in the Contemporary Arts Center (900 Camp Street, New Orleans, LA), and will feature tons of exhibitors with comics, ‘zines, fashion, crafts, music, film, design, community activism and much more!

Admission is $5, and the first 100 paid attendees through the doors will receive swag bags courtesy of the New Orleans Craft Mafia: a reusable shopping bag filled with freebies and product samples from various indie businesses. These bags present a great opportunity to get the word out about your business, band, or organization. Vendors exhibiting at the Expo are also highly encouraged to participate in the swag bags and leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Get the word out to this diverse group of customers who seek to support independent businesses by including your product samples in these swag bags. Product samples may include, but are not limited to: CD/DVD samplers, comics and magazines, small jewelry or accessory samples, t-shirts, blank notecards or stationery, sample size soaps or cosmetics, gift cards, or other small samples of your products. If you choose to send in samples, we ask that you send a minimum of 25 samples.

Some swag suggestions include, but are not limited to: coupons, stickers, buttons, magnets, pens, etc. We ask that you do send actual swag items and not just promotional materials such as business cards or flyers. You may attach business cards, etc., to any donated swag, of course. (If we receive ONLY business cards or fliers from you, they will NOT be included in the swag bags.) If you are interested in sending in swag material, we ask that you send in the full amount of 100 items.

The deadline for sending in swag & samples is Wednesday, April 7, 2009. Items may be sent to:

New Orleans Craft Mafia swag bags
c/o Kerry Fitts
P.O. Box 791922
New Orleans, Louisiana 70179-1922

Those interested in dropping off samples and swag locally in New Orleans may bring them by UP/ Unique Products at 2038 Magazine Street during regular business hours (Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm, Sunday noon-5pm). Please make sure your items are marked as being for the New Orleans Craft Mafia / Alternative Media expo swag bags.

For more information on contributing to the swag bags, please email mallory [!AT] neworleanscraftmafia.com

January Craft a Long Winner is........

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Sat, 20 Feb 2010 01:29:00 +0000

Art on the Half Shell for her entry of the Red Beans and Rice Oyster Clock!

Thank you so much to all who entered!!! Next month's theme is Love, Mardi Gras and/or New Orleans! Can't wait to see how that turns out!!

Congratulations and Go Handmade Louisiana!!

~~Amy

Member Artisan Profile: Metrychick (& Giveaway!)

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R) — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 12:00:00 +0000

Meet glass artist Celeste of Metrychick. Celeste has been creating all of her life and considers herself fortunate to make money doing something she loves.

Her connection to Louisiana runs deeply. She explains, “My family chose New Orleans and I think it was destiny. My grandpa came here on a buckboard from Picayune, Mississippi -- first generation Italian. My grandmother was born here, second generation Italian. My mother emigrated here from Cuba in '68. I was MEANT to be from here. People traveled to make SURE I would be here. I was born and raised here. Actually, about two miles from where I live and here I was raised to be independent, and a high thinker, and to always wonder and want to learn. I was lucky to have a lot of knowledgeable people in my life and I am blessed.”

In fact, it is her love for her hometown that inspires her art. Celeste says, “I look for what hasn't been done yet. I did that with the New Orleans NOstaLgiA and will keep going.” Her biggest challenge, she says is keeping her work “evolving and fresh, and new, while retaining the spirit of my love of New Orleans and Metry.”

While many artists etch glass, Celeste’s items are unique in that she cuts each piece by hand. “No stencils, no machines, just me, a pattern and my knife.“

Celeste’s favorite piece is a 45-inch diameter bowl (yes, 45 inches!). “I etched over 50 fleur de lis on it,” she says. “My customer told me when they bought it and put battery operated lights in it, the fleur de lis cast a shadow on every wall of the room. It was magical.”

When asked her favorite bit of advice for other artists/sellers, she offers the following: “Keep with it. Pick something you love and stick with it.”

What’s next for Celeste? Perhaps stained glass. “I would love to learn how to solder,” she says. “I have the stuff, but no one to teach me. I can just imagine the art I can make...”

On a personal note, Celeste works part time, home schools two daughters and is a proud military wife. “I love my life and my family. Part of that is loving me and my art,” she notes.

Celeste’s creations can be found on the following:

On Etsy: hvnlydesigns.etsy.com

On her blog: Metrychick.com

On Facebook: Metrychick

~*~*~ You can win a little Piece of Metry Chick! ~*~*~

You can win this beautiful etched candy dish bowl with a lovely jazz second line etched on it.

How do you win this awesome piece?

HOW TO WIN:

1. Visit Celeste's Shops at any of the above links. Come back and leave a comment on which item is your fave!

2. Visit one of these shops belonging to my fellow members. Come back and leave a comment on which of their items is your fave!

Flambeaux Design Company

Amelia Amos Soaps

BRKids

You must leave a link to the items and you must complete steps 1 AND 2 to be entered. You MUST leave a URL, email, or contact IN your comment for us to contact you when you win! We have to have some way to contact you, via your shop, blog, whatnot if you don't want to leave your email.

You have until February 23rd to get your comments in!

Extra entries:

1. Send an email to merry[at]handmadelouisiana[dot]com with your email address for our future mailing list.

2. Tweet, Facebook, or promote this contest. You MUST provide a URL where you promoted this so we can verify.

3. Join our Facebook Group.Please make sure your Facebook account is set so we can contact you, and include info about yourself (friend, buyer, seller, artist, etc) in your application.

If you would like to join Handmade Louisiana please email Merry at merry[at]handmadelouisiana[dot]com and she'll send you what you need to know! There is never any cost to join HML although we do have membership requirements.

Good luck!

Congratulations New Orleans Saints!!!

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 04:07:00 +0000

Wow! I never thought I'd live to see the day!! This has been an AMAZING year for our Saints and we deserve this Championship like never before!

I could wax on about Hurricane Katrina, rebuilding, our years in shame with bags over our heads....but you know all that. If you live or have lived here, you know about that. You have picked up your neighbor's yard after a storm, you have painted your nails black and gold even in the darkest of years, you have named your dog Payton.....

YOU are the fans, YOU are the reason this is so awesome! We have an unbelievable team, hard working, talented, honorable, and FABULOUS. But what sets the Saints apart from other teams are the FANS. Saints fans are die hards through the good times and the bad.

Saints fans are what helps make these games and this area so special. We are strong, brave and will fight a good fight. (Okay sometimes we might voodoo your butt if you're mean to us...)

Handmade Louisiana is SO PROUD of the New Orleans Saints and all the fans. The NFL tried to take Who Dat and the Fleur De Lis away from us and we fought back! Senators, fans, business owners banded together and FOUGHT BACK!

Who Dat Nation knows no color, no politics, no parish lines, hell no state lines! Who Dat Nation resides in every Saints fan all around the country and world. Who Dat Nation lives on because we FINISH STRONG.

How the hell do you like THAT GAME!!!???

WHO DAT BABY!!

~~amy

Time to Vote for our January Craft a Long!

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:44:00 +0000

Every month the Handmade Louisiana team has a "Craft a Long" in which we all submit items we've made based on a theme. This month's theme was "New Beginnings". The following are our members interpretations of that theme. Please vote on your favorite item that fits that theme.

1. "New Love" Wedding Photography by Mama's Little Monkeys

"Although not for sale, this is a photograph I took the day my niece got married. A wedding is always a fabulous new beginning!"

2. Colorful Lotus Blossom Necklace by Chloe Boutique

The lotus flower starts as a small flower down at the bottom of a pond in the mud and muck. It slowly grows up towards the water's surface continually moving towards the light. Once it come to the surface of the water the lotus flower begins to blossom and turn into a beautiful flower. The color green is also closely linked to the Old English word, "growan" which means "to grow".

3. Tent Revival by Southern Heart Gallery

New beginnings have started at many Tent Revivals! (but I think that little girl trying to sneak out will wait for another day!) ps...that was me when I was little :-)

5. Mardi Gras Collar

Knitted button-up collar or cowl, see more at www.knitzy.com. This was the first of a series of new collars (new beginnings) (sold)

6. Organic Oh Baby! Soap by Herbfriend

A special castille soap made with organic olive oil with a touch of organic castor to help enhance the bubbles and a light touch of organic lavender essential oil to help relax and pamper the body.

7. Red Beans & Rice Clock w/ baby Oysters by Art on the Half Shell

Art On The Half Shell. Hand-crafted Oyster Shell Wall Clock featuring a dozen BABY Oyster Shells set like the hours with accents of amber & green sea glass. The 12 o'clock hour is embellished with a real 7mm pearl.

8. Fleur De Lis Ceiling Tile by Embellished Bayou

Antique Tin Ceiling Tile Handpainted Black & Stamped with a Gold Fleur De Lis; A new beginning for an old rusty piece of tin, symbolizing a new beginning for the city of New Orleans. Who Dat!!

9. Ceramic Crazy Leg Wall Vases by Jodie Flowers

New Beginings - One leg at a time!

10. Sacred Heart by DebiDeauxDesigns

11. Reminiscing Faerie by Rue Design

12. New Beginnings Flower Bow by Quibby's Bows

This flower is the beginning of my business...maybe it bloom ALL year.

13. Rainbow Hand Dyed Velvet Scarf from Splendiferous Fibers

Rainbows happen when you have rain and sun at the same time. Both Rain and Sun are needed to grow seeds and plants, and turn our grass green again!

14. Antique Flower Impression by Precious Metals

A beautiful 99.9% pure silver ring! I made this ring by taking an impression from an antique silver sugar bowl my grandmother gave me. The ring is 9mm wide and fits a size 8.

15. Baby Boy Blue Booties by Gar Sticks and Strings

This year start a new begging in your family by having a new edition to it! Get hats and booties for your new edition at www.garsticksandstring.etsy.com

16. Valentine Special Edition Paper Bowl by Etco

New Romance...New Love…New Beginning

Don't let your favorite artisan lose! Get your votes in on the sidebar poll now!! :)

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:53:00 +0000

Saints Who Dat Fleur de Lis Pendant Necklace with Onyx and Citrine by Gaudet's Gems

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 06:31:00 +0000

Sterling Silver Hand Stamped Geaux New Orleans Saints Necklace - Who Dat by Charmiesonline

Who Dat? Who Dat?

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 03:57:00 +0000

CONGRATULATIONS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS!!!!! You're going to the superbowl!!!!!!!!!!

This is amazing! Astounding! I cannot believe I am seeing this!! We deserve it SO much!

Black and Gold baby!! BLACK AND GOLD!!!!

WHO DAT!!!

January Giveaway! Sparkly Awesomeness!

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 23:53:00 +0000

This month's giveaway is from Merry at of CheeseandChocolate!

You can win these gorgeous Reflections earrings for yourself or your honey!

These stunning earrings were created from sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. The Clear crystals are diagonally drilled cubes which offer a different look from the norm. The Aurora Borealis finish on the crystals allows them to shimmer in many different colors depending on the light. The length of the earrings is 1 5/16" when measured from the top of the french earwire to the base of the dangle.

HOW TO WIN:

1. Visit Merry's Shop, CheeseandChocolate or WorkingtheStash. Come back and leave a comment on which item is your fave!

2. Visit one of these shops belonging to my fellow members. Come back and leave a comment on which of their items is your fave!

Sweet Olive Soaps

Stitches in Cotton

Metry Chick

You have until February 4th to get your comments in!

Extra entries:

1. Send an email to merry[at]handmadelouisiana[dot]com with your email address for our future mailing list.

2. Tweet, Facebook, or promote this contest. You MUST provide a URL where you promoted this so we can verify.

3. Join our Facebook Group.Please make sure your Facebook account is set so we can contact you, and include info about yourself (friend, buyer, seller, artist, etc) in your application.

Good luck!

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 06:33:00 +0000

Wrought Iron - Fine Art Photo by Rue Design

New Orleans Craft Mafia unleashes our new website!

noreply@blogger.com (MissMalaprop) — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 19:18:00 +0000

The New Orleans Craft Mafia has just unleashed our fresh new website design -- check out our new look!

We've had the same design pretty much since we started our group back in 2005. Five years later, and we thought it was about time for a change! We've gone through a lot in these five years... forming just before Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent levee failures ravaged our city, and we've had members come and go since then. We've maintained a group e-commerce shop, which has since closed and we've sponsored many craft events around town. We've remained strong and we're poised for even bigger and better things. We're dedicated to keeping the spirit of indie craft alive in the Crescent City!

Are you a professional crafter living in the greater New Orleans metro area? We're always on the lookout for new members. You must treat your art as a business, and abide by our membership guidelines. Interested? Learn more and fill out a membership application.

December Craft a Long Winner Is....

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 21:10:00 +0000

Amanda of ChloeBoutique for her Peace Dove Earrings!

Congratulations Amanda!! Thanks to everyone who participated and keep an eye out for our January Craft a Long voting soon!

~~~Amy

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 06:33:00 +0000

Who Dat, You Dat Yat- Glass Pendant by Hvnlydesigns

December Giveaway Winner is....

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 04:42:00 +0000

Embellished Bayou! You were lucky number 15 chosen by www.Random.org! :) Embellished please drop Bob a line at www.easyshopnames.com or email me amy@handmadelouisiana.com and I'll connect you with Bob for your domain hookup!

Congratulations and thanks to everyone who entered!

Please remember to vote for the December Craft A Long so your favorite wins!

Thanks for helping make Handmade Louisiana the fabulous team it is everyone!!

~~Amy

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 09:02:00 +0000

Mardi Gras Ribbon Wreath by Merci Beaucoup Designs

December Craft A Long--Time to Vote!!

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 02:28:00 +0000

This month's Craft a Long with our members was on the theme "Winter Wonderland". Now we need your help to find the piece that best fits this theme!!

Entry One:
Christmas Valentine's Winter Hair Bow by GirlsLoveBows

Entry Two:

Monkity Flake Sock Monkey by Mama's Little Monkeys

Entry Three:

Welcome Santa Christmas Wreath Soap by 2VirgosDesigns

Entry Four:

Wintry Peace Dove Earrings by ChloeBoutique

"The dove and the olive branch, or a dove carrying an olive branch in its beak, are ancient symbols of peace. And, the occasional flashes of blue, teal and lavender remind me of a cold wintry day"

Entry Five:
Red and Gold Paper Bowl by Etco

Entry Six:

Let it Snow by Cheeseandchocolate

"Opaque sugar cube lampwork beads sit above sterling silver snowflakes. This is one way to get snow in Louisiana!"

Entry Seven:

Waltz of the Snowflakes Mini Bag by Splendiferous Fiber

"Crystal blue satin, sheer ribbon, embroidered snowflake, and bead fringe make this item a wintery delight."

Entry Eight:

Wintry Ice Jewelry Holder by HurricanePottery

SO please help us crown this months' winner by voting in the poll on the sidebar and help spreading the word about this contest!

Don't let your favorite piece lose!

Thanks!
Amy

December Giveaway--7 days left to enter!

noreply@blogger.com (mamaslittlemonkeys) — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 04:03:00 +0000

*** DEC GIVEAWAY IS EXTENDED UNTIL JAN. 8th!! Get your entries IN!***

This month's giveaway comes from Easy Shop Names.com, one of the shops of our very own AmazingArt. Amazing Arts is run by Bob, who technically lives in California, but was born and raised Louisiana, and still carries it in his heart! :)

This month Bob is offering a fabulous package deal to help you get your business or websites in order for the coming year!!

What You'll Win:

The Giveaway will be for my EasyShopNames.com full Artisan Domain Name & Support Package, including 1 year of:

Domain Name Registration
Tech Support via online Help Desk or Toll Free telephone
1 business day turn-around or less for all updates (forwarding changes, etc.) - most changes made in one our or less
Unlimited Sub-Domains
- Forwarding sub-domains: etsy.domain.comforwards to shopname.etsy.com
- Hosted subdomains: site.domain.com points to IP address on web hosting provider
Blogger Domain Setup (blog.domain.com)(for Example, Mama's Little Monkeys blog URL is very long, so Bob shortened it to http://blog.mamaslittlemonkeys.com
Branded Google Apps Standard under selected domain, with:
- Up to 50 users (less 1 for me to administer the account)
- Google Mail/Gmail
- Google Calendar
- Google Docs
- Google chat username@domain.com, including AIM support (for example, at HandmadeLouisiana, admins have emails @handmadelouisiana.com
- Google Sites – Template drive website creation with UNLIMITED number of sites
- much, much more
1 business day turn-around or less for all updates (forwarding changes, etc.) - most changes made in one our or less

If the winner already has a domain name, then I’ll substitute the Artisan Support Package, which is all the same services and features, but just transfers an existing domain to our servers rather than registering a new domain name.

(Don't worry, Bob will communicate in a less tech way if you need him to!)

HOW TO WIN:

1. Visit Bob's Shop, AmazingArtPhotos. At www.amazingart.artfire.com.Come back and leave a comment on which item is your fave!

2. Visit one of these shops belonging to my fellow members. Come back and leave a comment on which of their items is your fave!

(IF any of these shops are on vacation as does happen this time of year, make sure to look in the shops SOLD ITEMS to see super cool items the artisan has made before!)

Art By Mags

Bluebird Art

Bobs and Bits

You have until January 8th to get your comments in!

Extra entries:

1. Send an email to merry@handmadelouisiana.com with your email address for our future mailing list.

2. Tweet, Facebook, or promote this contest. You MUST provide a URL where you promoted this so we can verify.

3. Join our Facebook Group.Please make sure your Facebook account is set so we can contact you, and include info about yourself (friend, buyer, seller, artist, etc) in your application.

If you would like to join Handmade Louisiana please email Merry at merry@handmadelouisiana.com and she'll send you what you need to know! There is never any cost to join HML!

Good luck!

Member Artist Profile: Stitches in Cotton

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Congratulations to November’s Craft-a-Long runner up: Stitches in Cotton. (It was Handmade Louisiana's closest vote ever!)

Artist/owner Dee creates accessories for babies, children and adults. “Throughout my life I have had an interest in various crafts,” she says. “I learned how to crochet when I was a little girl, then I moved on to hand quilting. It’s been about a year since I’ve gotten back to doing it on a more regular basis.”

Hers is another example of necessity being the mother of invention. She explains, “When I found out my boys were allergic to polyester. It was getting cold and I needed to find hats and gloves that didn’t contain polyester. I searched stores and the internet and came up with nothing. I decided to look for a crochet pattern and I found an adorable little hat. My boys loved the hats so much and it brought so much joy to them that I decided to create more to spread that joy. Nothing makes a mama happier than seeing her creation being drug inside and outside, through stores and being slept with because it’s their prized possession.”

When asked which is her favorite item, Dee cites the popcorn hats she made for her boys (and the one submitted to the Handmade Louisiana November Craft-a-Long).

Dee’s biggest challenges include time and money. “I have so many ideas in my head I don’t have enough time to get them out,” she says. Her favorite part of the works she does is being able to stay home with her sons and earning a little spending money.

She offers the following advice to new sellers: “If you are just starting out, have patience. It’s hard at first. Get a lot of products together and take the best pictures you can.” She advises seasoned sellers to “help the newer sellers. The advice of those that have ‘been there, done that’ is invaluable to us. I tend to promote those who have helped me to try and pay back what I was given.” (Her philosophy epitomizes Handmade Louisiana’s mission.)

When asked what other skills she’d like to learn, Dee replies, “I don’t think I could fit another skill in my life. HA HA! But if I had all the time in the world I would say painting.”

Dee’s connections to Louisiana are strong. She grew up in the Greater New Orleans area, left for a brief year stint in the Air Force. “There is no place like LA, and no matter where I am it will always be home for me,” she says.

To learn more about Stitches in Cotton, visit the following links:
www.stitchesincotton.artfire.com
www.stitchesincotton.etsy.com
http://www.stitchesincotton.com
http://twitter.com/stitchesncotton

Wordless Wednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Merry) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 04:57:00 +0000

Peacock Feather Hair Accessory with Sliver Sequins, New Years Eve Cocktail Party Headpiece by SuperDuper

Member Artisan Profile: Etco, winner of November Craft-a-Long

noreply@blogger.com (Lisa R) — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:00:00 +0000

Congratulations, Yamarilet of Etco, winner of the November Craft-a-long!

Yamarilet has been selling handcrafted jewelry and paper bowls online for about six months, but says “for as long as I can remember I have been a maker of things.”

“My grandmother is an amazing ceramic artist,” Yamarilet explains. “I remember helping her when I was a child, I enjoyed that time so much! So I have been encouraged in that direction since I was a little girl!”

When asked about her favorite creation, she’s hard pressed to choose just one. “I do love a pair of black earrings that I called Manhattan Nights, but I also really like my paper bowls.”

Her biggest challenge as an artist to earning a living from what she loves to do, but the best perk she says, is “it‘s great when you do what you love to do, be my own boss and have the time to be with my children.”

When asked to provide advice for other sellers, Yamarilet says, “I am pretty new myself! Share what you love to do with others, be honest, take the best photos you can, Be patient!” She adds, “Nothing will happen overnight. Post often and the most important: always appreciate and treat your customers with care.”

Yamarilet was born and raised in Venezuela. She moved to United States 17 years ago and has lived in New Orleans for over nine years now. She shares a home with husband William, daughters Nikole and Mara, and finds inspiration from the natural beauty around her. “I always will be connected to LA since my daughters where born here,” she explains. “Time has gone by so quickly, and I’m so grateful for the moments I have here.”

“Being with my family comes before anything else. My life is mostly about my kids, I also volunteer at my daughter’s school,” she says. By way of introduction, she adds: “I love: the ocean, silence, coffee, stay at home, cook, swim, and create things.”

Welcome to Handmade Louisiana, and congratulations on winning the November Craft-a-long!

To learn more about Etco, visit the following links:
SHOP: http://www.etco.etsy.com
BLOG: http://etcoblog.blogspot.com/
FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/pages/etco/146192609053?v=wall
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/handmadebyetco