Artfire Cafemom Team: artfire cafemom team

Showing posts with label artfire cafemom team. Show all posts

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

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.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

StichNLove's Tie-Dyed Ensemble Wins ACT's Retro Challenge

Congratulations to Christie of StitchNLove for winning ACT's retro themed September Challenge. At the beginning of the month, our guild master, Jenn of Jemz, dared us to get "groovy" with the 1960's and 70s and create something "far out". And Christie responded by creating this funk-a-delic (a creative combination of the words funky and psychedelic) Tye Dyed Bell Bottom Outfit complete with a cloche hat.

Christie was captivated by the material from the moment she first laid her eyes on it. Each time she returned to the store, she was once again drawn to the colorful tie-died material but couldn't figure out what to do with it until the theme of ACT's September challenge was announced. "When I thought of the 60's and 70's, I thought of bell bottoms and tie-dye. This outfit blends the two," said Christie.

Christie designed this boutique outfit using patterns she found online at You Can Make This. She used Toni Hamel's Skinny Bell Bottoms pattern as the basis. She combined elements of two shirt patterns from the same site to create the tie-dyed top. Even the hat pattern came from You Can Make This!

The pants pattern seemed to run a little big, which presented her with an additional challenge. However Christie was very pleased with the overall project and said, "It took about a day from cut to last stitch, but it came together even better than I imagined."

Knowing that Christie is Mom to 6 children, I asked her when and how she carves out the time to design and sew her outfits. Her reply: "Very creatively actually. I sew when Dad is home in the evenings and after bed time. And I sew during the day as much as the kids will let me. There are only two not in school. Next year, I have to decide if I am going to homeschool my youngest daughter, and that will be interesting: homeschool and a sewing business.

(Any homeschoolers out there? Leave your tips for Christie in the comments below.)

When I expressed my curiosity about what her young model had to say about the outfit, Christie shared this antidote. "She is such a ham! She often stands next to my mirage of outfits with her hands in a prayer position and asks what she can wear. This outfit, if I am not mistaken, she wore to bed that night, she liked it so much!"

Each month ACT (Artfire CafeMom Team) challenges its guild members to create something that reflects the chosen theme. Member artists have 21 days to submit their entry by posting a picture of their item in a designated thread within the guild's forum on Cafemom.com. The general public, as well

as guild members, are then invited to vote for their favorite item during the last week of the month.

Christie was the only one to rise to the challenge this month, but even if there had been several artists competing, I do believe that she would have won hands down with this 60's & 70's inspired bell bottom ensemble.

To find out more information about ordering this fun colorful outfit in the right size for your little lass, just click on the link to go to the listing for this Tye Dyed Bell Bottom Outfit in StitchNLove's Studio on Artfire.com.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

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!!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Introducing Robin and Caeli from Everyday Moments

I really like Robin's store name; Everyday Moments.

It feels.. so captivating.. and has the impression of a photographer who is always around to capture the important everyday moments that we missed out... Really.. In our busy lives, we are almost always rushing from corner to corner and overlook so many beautiful moments..

Please meet Robin, a mom and a photographer. Her very first camera, the trusty Nikon F was a special gift from her dad when she was 13 and she has been taking pictures ever since...

In her own words, "It is truly my passion. I love to find new ways to share my photos and I am currently working on prints, coasters, and jewelry...and many other possibilities.."

Robin offers Photo Jewelry, Photo Cards and Prints currently and she intends to add more in future. Besides that, I woud like to also mention Caeli, Robin's beautiful 8 year-old daughter who designs and hand-make lovely jewelry in her little Caeli's Corner!!

Specially for you, Robin and Caeli is offering Free shipping until 28th August 2009!! Hurry!!

Check out Robin and Caeli's store at Everyday Moments!

Friday, August 21, 2009

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!

Monday, August 17, 2009

Introducing Tamra and Linda from WithOurHands.

Check out this fabulous collaboration between yet another mother&daughter team!! Here's Tamra and Linda from WithOurHands!!

WithOurHands is a little artfire shop stocked fully with greeting cards, scarves, handbags/ purses, dishcloths, facecloths, cell phone/ iPod holders, bag dispensers, wrist cuffs, finger puppets, swiffer covers, market bags, jewelry, upcycled notebooks, paper crafts and more!!

This little formidable team is really creative and great with their hands. They would always make their own christmas ornaments and donate them to the church for their craft fair every year. Between them, they have 60+ years of experience!!!

For just these 4 days, you can enjoy free shipping on all orders over $25!!

Visit Tamra and Linda at withourhands
and check out their blog at for more updates!!

Thursday, August 13, 2009

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

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Introducing Jenn from JazzyJemz and MyBraggBag

Today's ACT PowerUp Spotlight is on Jenn from JazzyJemz and My Bragg Bag.

Jenn is an Army wife and mother to a beautiful toddler and two cats. She has been an avid crocheter since she was 7. She daubles in knitting and loves to draw. She has been crafting all her life, thanks to her wonderful teacher- her mother. She won her first art contest at the age of 7 and had her pen and ink drawing of a white tiger published. After graduating college and working several years as a social worker, her drive shifted back to crochet and sewing when her daughter was born. She self taught herself to sew!! She has always had a passion in creating items with her hands.

JazzyJemz has clothing, toys, blankets, bibs, burp cloths and more items for babies and nursing items and diaper bags for the moms. MyBraggBag is where you can find custom-made military purses. She has also plans to expand the line of items in MyBraggBag to include other Military related accessories & clothing.

Just for you, Jenn has kindly offered Free shipping on all orders over $30 until the end of the August!! What are you waiting for?? Get Shopping!! Here are some of my favourites...

Jenn is also our Artfire Cafemom Team Guild Master and an admin for the Artfire Sew What Guild. She also holds membership in several other teams/ guilds on both Artfire and Etsy. Her commitment to promoting Handmade really inspires me and many mommies around. Thanks for the work, Jenn!!

Visit Jenn at
JazzyJemz Blog
MyBraggBag Store
JazzyJemz Store

Specially presented by Artfire Cafemom Team Guild.

Saturday, August 1, 2009

Introducing Charity from SubEarthanCottage

Here is introducing a very special lady, Charity of SubEarthanCottage, from our Artfire Cafemom Team, one of the specialty guild on Artfire.

Charity is wife to a wonderful man and a SAHM to one beautiful and very active 3 year old son. She learned to sew sometime in elementary school and has always enjoyed creating and making gifts for her family and friends. Charity started researching soap making about nine years ago and it was only a few years later that she attempted making handmade soap of her own. She started seling her handmade soap two years ago after much experimentation on herself, her friends and her family.

Charity has much to offer for you, your friends and your family. Her handmade shop is loaded with Handmade Soap in 4-5 ounces, 5-6+ ounces or Sets, Eco-Friendly and Upcycled products including Coffee Cozies, T-shirt Totes & Shopping Bags, Jewelry and more..

I checked out her store and guess what, she even offer samples!! You get to pick 5 samples of her handmade soap! Isnt that cool? Try first and we can later come back for the fragrances that we love. Did you notice that she even has a discount and sales section? And, specially for you, Charity has decided to throw in a free bar of soap for every $20 that you spend in either her artfire store or her etsy store!!

This looks totally delicious!!!

Charity is a very friendly mom who loves to chat and is always open to questions and comments. Do feel free to contact her for more information on her handmade goodies!! Meanwhile, you can stroll over to her blog to read more about her, or follow her on twitter!!

Quick Links
http://subearthancottage.artfire.com/
http://sophiecls.etsy.com/
http://subearthancottage.blogspot.com/
http://www.twitter.com/sophiecls
http://www.artfirecafemomteam.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

ACT Power Up Promotion Starting 1st August

Photo; Karate Mom courtesy from Flickr; chobecajero.

Hello Mommies,

Here is a chance for you to further promote your artfire store!! Its the ACT PowerUp!! We are gathering troops for this free promotional campaign!

If you are a member of our Artfire Cafemom Team Guild AND Artfire Cafemom Team, you are eligible to join us!! If you are a new member of our guild, please complete your application at cafemom.com to become eligible for this.

For further details, check out the forums at cafemom.com!!

*you would need to login..*

Quick!! You need to register, on a first-come-first-served basis!! Last day for joining in the fun is the 7th August!! Everyone gets 4days full of promotion!! Here is your chance to make use of our guild's cooperative efforts!!

Artfire Cafemom Team has lots more promotional ideas for you!

Join us now!! You have 9 more days to register!!

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Vote for Your Favorite in ACT's July Summertime Contest

We have some great entries this month, which may make it hard to pick a favorite. But we want your vote and the votes of your friends, so please tweet, digg, plurk, email, post, or pass this link along in whatever way you communicate online.
Voting begins now and will run through July 31. July's winner and August's ACT Contest theme will be announced right here on our ACT Blog at the beginning of August. So, pick your favorite, vote, and may the best summertime creation win...