Say "Booooooo!" and Vote for Your Favorite Halloween Themed Item

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s time to vote for your favorite item in the ACT October Contest. Our theme was “Booooooo!” and 4 of our talented artists submitted one of their creations.

First up, is a Devil Ring submitted by the Vermont mother and daughter team at With Our Hands. The size is adjustable.

Second, Coco of ByCoco--Art for Everyday Enjoyment, who hails from Maine, submitted her stained glass Ghost and Bat Duo, which measures approximately 4.5"x2.5".




Next, Haffina Creations from Southern Australia created this polymer clay Evil Tomato Keyring. The eyes and mouth of the tomato are glow in the dark clay, and each side is different.




Finally, Creations With Heart, a Jewelry artisan from Michigan entered these glass bead Ghost Earrings made with sterling silver ear wires.




It’s now up to you to help determine which of these pieces best fits our October theme: "Booooooo!" To find out more about each piece just click on either it's picture or its title. If you'd like to see other works by that artist, click on the name of their studio. Once you've made up your mind, please vote using the poll below.



Each month, members of this Artfire Artisan Guild are challenged to create something that represents a specific theme. The contest is designed to spur their creativity in the spirit of friendly competition. Stay tuned to find out who won the Artfire Cafemom Team's contest this month.

What will our November theme will be? Becoming a follower of this blog is an easy way to keep abreast of future themes. If you're an artist and would like to participate in our monthly contests, join our guild on Artfire.com. We are user friendly and welcome new members.

Introducing Julie from Creations With Heart

Last on our ACT PowerUp Promotion is Julie from Creations With Heart!

This creative lady started making friendship bracelets, in middle school. She had a ton of fun making and sharing those and those eventually grew into nicer jewelry.

In her own words," It wasn't until 2006 when I started creating again as a way of relaxing. I read beading magazines and searched the internet learning the basics and going from there as I caught on. I found myself making classic, western and paw print designs - very fitting for me! Shortly after, I had my own website, selling my own jewelry designs for the first time! Then Etsy came along and just this year, I starting selling on the amazing ArtFire! I'm having a blast! I continue to learn new techniques, bringing fresh, new creations to you!"

Julie offers Earrings, Bracelets, Necklaces and Anklets in her store. Specially for all you animal lovers like Julie, her doggies inspired her Paw Print Jewelry collection and it continues to grow! Keep on the look-out for new designs!

Get 10% Off Your Order - Just add ACTPROMO4 in the Note To The Seller box~ Promotion ends 9th Sept 2009!! Hurry!!

Julie wants you to know also," Please don't hesitate to e-mail me if you have any questions regarding the website or any jewelry creations. If you see something sold and you're interested in it, just e-mail me and we can work something out. I also take custom orders! Stop by for a visit ~ I'd love to hear from you!"

Visit Julie and CreationsWithHeart at...
http://www.creationswithheart.com/

http://www.creationswithheart.artfire.com/

http://www.creationswithheart.etsy.com/

http://www.creationswithheart.blogspot.com/

http://www.twitter.com/creationswheart

http://www.byhand.me/creationswithheart

Introducing Stacey from SWDesigns

Here is Stacey from SWDesigns, a stay-at-home-mom to 4 teenagers with a wonderful husband and sweet old golden retriever. She loves to cook and read books whenever she can.

In her own words, "I've enjoyed all kinds of crafting my whole life. A few years ago, I began making earrings and bracelets as gifts and for fundraisers for my children's schools. From this I received several requests for other items or for jewelry to go with an outfit. Last year, a local store started a display of several of my items, especially jewelry sets."

Stacey makes really beautiful handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings out of a variety of materials, especially pearls, crystals and gemstones.

Special Promotion: All jewelry will be on sale 20% off, until 5th Sept 2009.

Visit Stacey at SWDesigns and follow her at her twitter account!!

Introducing Christie from Stitch'N Love Boutique

Meet Christie from Stitch'N Love Boutique!!! A Mom to 6 precious kids who believes that "handmade trumps factory-made anyday. The price is well worth it." How true.

Christie has been selling online for a little over a year. She first learned how to sew as a teenager and has always been interested in crafts. She started Stitch'N Love at first to make quilts, then moved into handbags, then hairbows, then nap mats, then it exploded into sewing clothes!!! Now she does a little bit of everything and hope to have a full service online boutique!

Christie offers a little bit of everything: children's clothing, parent accessories, hair accessories, children's accessories and more...

Enjoy 15% discount with "ACT2009" in note to seller. Promotion valid until 3rd Sept 09!! Grab your favourites today!!

Visit Christie at Stitch'N Love today!!

Vote for "Ret Hot"

Our ACT contest theme for August is "Red Hot" and we have, for your deliberation, eight hot, Hot, HOT, unique handmade works of art from Artfire studios which belong to our members. At first, I was surprised to see that no one entered an artistic rendition of a hot chilli pepper, but then I remembered how creative we all are, and that might have been just too predictable.

After reviewing the submissions below, please vote for your favorite red hot item. Unfortunately, you must pick just one, but feel free to leave comments about the others you liked in the the comment section below. Thanks for helping us to select this months winner.

___________________________

Handmade Pink and Red Apple Large Zip Pouch (Applique on Linen)

by djStoreRoom

___________________________

Ray-Lee Manta Ray Sock Drawer Refresher

by Eddy G

___________________________

Desert Fortress Abstract Watercolor Blazing Red Rocks of Sedona, AZ

by Spirit Essence Art

___________________________

Red Sweetheart Coffee Cup Cozy

by SubEarthan Cottage

___________________________

Look Hot Hot Hot in Cherry Red Jewelry Set

by The Blue Beadle

___________________________

Red Super Soft Scarf with Angel Hair

by With Our Hands

___________________________

Chainmaille Necklace Fire and Ice Byzantine

by HaffinaCreations

___________________________

For Any Old Red Hat "Hottie"

by ByCoco

___________________________

Introducing Kelsey from Bows For Baby

Here's Kelsey from Bows For Baby!! I absolutely love her Crocheted Booties!!!



In her own words, "I am a 25 year old FT college student, army wife and mom. When I'm not in school I'm at home with my daughter. I got into hair bow making when she was an infant and I took to it instantly! I think there's nothing more adorable than a big bow adorning her head!"



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!!

Specially for you, Kelsey is offering 15% off everything in her store (excluding custom orders) during these 4days only!! Hurry!!

Visit Kelsey at Bows For Baby! Read more about her thoughts and updates at her blog!

Introducing Arlene from Spirit Essence Art

Next up on the PowerUp list is Arlene from Spirit Essence Art!!

Arlene started working with glass 25 years ago, doing custom stained glass windows for her customers. When she later discover fused glass, she became so passionate about it that she continues working with it until this day. The creative and experimental Arlene first started painting with oils. Now, she does watercolors and has dabbled a little with acrylic paints of late. Arlene even had her own supply and gift shop!! Amazing isnt it?? Who hasnt dreamt of having her very own gift shop?? And, to actually own a Supply & Gift Shop?? Fabulous!!



Arlene work at home in her own studio in western Pennsylvania and have her art pieces listed exclusively on Artfire!! She is also an active Member of Artfire Cafemom Team Guild and also Guild Master of A Passion For Painting Guild. She is an excellent leader and team member who always try to help out whenever she is needed!!



You should definitely check out her store offerings of Watercolor paintings, Oil paintings, Fused Glass Art Pieces and Fused Glass Jewelry!!




Check out Arlene at her
artfire store
blog
twitter
facebook

Vote in Artfire Cafemom's Weekly Contest

This week's contest theme is Graduation and here are the three entries. Let us know which one is your favorite.

Mindy's Embroidery entered her "Naughty Pooping Graduation Owl" . She said, "Here is my Graduation contest entry. Its a Candy holder."


ByCoco submitted her "Bethany Angel" saying, "How about an angel to "guard and guide" as the newly graduated venture into the next phase of their life?"


Haffina Creations entered this "Pearl and Crystal Necklace". She asks, "How about a beautiful pearl and crystal necklace for a female graduate?"


If you'd like to learn more about the piece, click on its title or picture. To see everything the artist has for sale in their shop click on their name.

Welcome to ACT!!

Here's a special welcome to our new members!! I visited 9 new members at their artfire studios and shine our spotlights on 1 of their goodies each!!



~*~*~*~ Everyone say H! ~*~*~*~

Ps; I am running a special blog giveaway at my own blog.. There are 3 free, pretty and functional handmade zip pouches to be sent for free via international registered airmail!! Check it out at http://djstoreroom.blogspot.com

The Mom Behind the Shop- DJStoreroom

Today we get to learn about another one of our team members. The Mom featured this week is DJStoreroom- Diana. Here answers are so honest and funny too. Thanks for being our Mom Behind the shop this week !

What kinds of items do you sell in your shop: Antiques, e-Tutorials for Handmades, Handmade Bags and Purses, Vintages, Collectibles, Serviette Art Designs and Old Documents.


Tell me a bit about yourself:
I am 26, married with 1 child. I had first-hand experience dealing with Antiques, Vintages, Documents and Artifacts as I have been helping my dad out with his own business since I was 16. When I was 12, I started sewing during home economics and stopped after 4 years. While staying in France, I went back to sewing after my kid was born when I was 23. That same year, I took up serviette art techniques as it was a very popular art in France. Plus, I took up a Penn Foster distance learning course on Dressmaking and Design and graduated from that too.

What made you get into your craft:
Back in Singapore, I went in search for a job and got it. 1 year after, I was too unhappy and decided to leave the job. I started off with offering handmades and e-tutorials at Etsy.Com. And when I read about ArtFire.Com, I went ahead and got myself verified at the site. I decided to make that my main site as I agreed with the overall environment. I dreamt and eventually registered my own business, so that I could tap on my own experiences with all the elements mentioned earlier. And, I started and run it all by myself, with the support of my hubby and family.

Tips for online businesses: Stay happy, healthy and work hard. Success will soon come your way. Be prepared to be firm, professional and friendly.

Tips for moms: If you need to leave your kids some place, while you spend the time working on this business, do it. Get help. Childcare is actually readily available. Try to get neighbors, friends, or even relatives to help for 2hours a day. It can do wonders for you!

What is your favorite place to visit: I miss France!! The place is really beautiful. We could just pack for the weekend, and drive off to other little towns for a holiday anytime. Here in Singapore, we don't do that as it's only a small island.

Your comfort food: Chocolates.

If you were able to do anything in the world, what would it be and why: I want to be 21 years old, every year. That is the loveliest time, where I had the energy and mood to work hard for everything and anything!

Here are some of Diana's favorite items:

Lavenders Farm Serviette

Pink and Red Apple Linen Large Zip Pouch

How to Sew Zip Pouch Tutorial