Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Austinist Presents Local Music is Sexy IV

On the eve of ACL Fest, we're gonna turn off our laptops, put on our drinking shoes, and head over to the Mohawk, because Austinist is hosting Local Music is Sexy IV.

An annual tradition since its inception in 2005 (back when the 'hawk was the Velvet Spade, and folks were still arguing over the smoking ban), Local Music is Sexy showcases a bunch of promising young Austin bands and DJs that we're most excited about. Past artists have included Belaire, The Black Angels, IV Thieves, and Clap!Clap!
LMIS IV will feature Austinites The Lemurs, The Corto Maltese, and Brazos on the outside main stage, with DJs Car Stereo (Wars) and Markus with a K rockin' dance-party jams inside alongside Magic Surprise. To spice things up, we're also flying in Seattle indie rockers Say Hi To Your Mom to headline, and welcoming our favorite Houston DJ, Ceeplus Bad Knives.


The Lineup
Say Hi To Your Mom (Brooklyn, NY)
The Lemurs (Austin)
The Corto Maltese (Austin)
Brazos (Austin)
Magic Surprise (Austin)
Ceeplus Bad Knives (Houston)
Car Stereo Wars (Austin)
Markus with a K (Austin/Dallas)


As always, this party is absolutely free. Think of it as our way of saying "thanks!" to you fine folks.

Austinist Presents Local Music is Sexy IV
Thursday, September 13th
The Mohawk
Doors @ 9pm
21+, FREE

Sunday, September 9, 2007

Favorites from the Time Machine

I was browsing through the Time Machine2 on Etsy.com this morning and kinda got a warm fuzzy feeling inside. Here, I was looking at all these talented artists, admiring their work, when I realized, "Hey, I'm one of them!" I am so proud to be a part of such an amazing group. Here are just a few of my finds this morning:













Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Grandparents' Day This Sunday

This Sunday is Grandparents' Day! Do you have cards to send? The Scrappin' Fools group over at CafeMom hosted a challenge this morning. The theme was Grandparents' Day (umm...stating the obvious here) and this is what I came up with. The tag says "love you to pieces". I used the sketches at PageMaps.com for inspiration. I made three of them to send to my parents, his parents, and great grandma as well.

So....who still needs a Grandparents' Day card? I can crank one of these babies out for you and have it in the mail by tomorrow!

Friday, August 31, 2007

Blog Day 2007




Welcome to Blog Day 2007! I've been searching all week for fantastic new blogs to share with you. It was so hard for me to narrow it down to just five. This is what I came up with! Happy reading!
  1. Craft: This site has the most amazing tutorials! I learn how to do something new every time I read this blog.
  2. Hostess with the Mostess: The photos on this blog are so inspirational for me. I take one look and I can really feel the creative juices a flowin'!
  3. Indie Diner: For all things indie!
  4. Sixth & Elm: I love the style of humor in this one. The content is great and it's well written!
  5. Tiger Girl: The jewelry on this site is amazing! So unique!

Well, there ya have it. My five new blogs. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I do! If you participated in Blog Day 2007, post a message here with the link to your own blog so I can check out your 5 featured blogs. =)




Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Blog Day 2007

Celebrate the third Blog Day on August 31st!

BlogDay posting instructions:

  1. Find 5 new Blogs that you find interesting
  2. Notify the 5 bloggers that you are recommending them as part of BlogDay 2007
  3. Write a short description of the Blogs and place a link to the recommended Blogs
  4. Post the BlogDay Post (on August 31st) and
  5. Add the BlogDay tag using this link: http://technorati.com/tag/BlogDay2007 and a link to the BlogDay web site at http://www.blogday.org

Check back on August 31st to see who my 5 new blogs are!

Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Featured Artist...Signature Sterling



I'd like to introduce you to Sue of SignatureSterling. Sue specializes in designing beautiful sterling silver beaded jewelry. Her work is just amazing and I'm so excited to be able to feature her on my blog! I hope you enjoy the following interview and don't forget to stop by SignatureSterling to see all the goods!


**If you'd like to be one of my featured artists, drop me a line!**

SignatureSterling

Who are you?
SignatureSterling aka Sue aka Mom, Soccer Mom

What is your shop name/link?

What categories do you specialize in?
Designing and handcrafting jewelry ~ especially sterling silver with beads (semiprecious, lampwork, czech glass, swarovski crystal, charms) ~ "signature" items include "BUCKEYE NATION" "Hairspray" and "Show Me Your Colors" collections ~ custom orders welcome!

What do you like about Etsy?
Love the creativity and artistic genius that abides here in such a friendly, supportive environment.

What do like about creating?
Being able to look at something with new eyes and hopefully create something beautiful and unique!

What is your favorite product right now and why?
So hard to pick just one...but today I will have to choose my "LITTLE BLACK DRESS" earrings (in either pearl or jasper) --- just simple elegance!

What makes you unique as an artist?
I think that all of us Etsy artists are unique because what we are creating is essentially a part of who we are. For me, at least, I think that is reflected in my jewelry.

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
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I'm being featured!




Handcrafted by Janice is being featured at Signature Sterling's blog! Stop by and take a look-see at my Etsy Mini. :o) Link


Win Inque Boutique Family Leaves Stamp

I was reading The Mad Cropper's blog this morning, and came across this fabulous 14 piece Inque Boutique Limited Edition Leaves Stamp. Want to enter to win it? Click here.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Vote for my Look Book! Pretty please?

Let the voting begin! As you read in a previous post, I've submitted an entry for Ambient Design's Fall Fashion Look Book contest. And it's voting time! Visit Ambient Design's blog and leave a comment voting for your favorite entry (Uhhh, *mine*, duh!). The winner will receive a $10 gift certificate to Ambient Design. And y'all know how much I like shopping. You've only got till Sunday to vote, so no procrastinatin'!






Friday, August 24, 2007

Photojojo is seeking a Part-time Writer/Editor/DIYer

I read this at a blog over at CRAFT Magazine and wanted to share the info. It sounds like an awesome opportunity!
Our friends at Photojojo are seeking a Part-time writer/editor/DIYer!Here's the scoop from Photojojo:
Photojojo (www.photojojo.com) is looking for one (1) awesome dude or dudette to be a part-time writer + editor + DIYer for our kick-ass photography newsletter.

This is a freelance, part-time position. You'll be involved in all aspects of the creation of Photojojo: finding awesome photo stuff, writing and editing, finding and working with contributors, taking and editing photos, writing simple HTML, and publishing emails.

We want a creative writer who loves loves loves photography and isn't afraid to get glue on his/her hands. Someone who can write friendly, fun, and efficient prose that makes people smile.

You'll learn lots, have fun, and earn some dough. Plus you'll be spreading awesome photography goodness to over 100,000 photography fans, twice a week!

ESSENTIAL: Excellent writing skills, with the ability to write in a friendly, fun voice that matches Photojojo. An unnatural love for photography. The ability to write quickly and regularly on deadline. Superhuman organizational and follow-up skills. Internet-savviness, basic Photoshop skills, excellent photography skills, and knowledge of basic HTML (making links, embedding images, etc.)

IT SURE HELPS IF...You're up on popular culture, follow the latest photo stuff already, consider yourself a poet, but aren't afraid to occasionally let out your inner geek. It helps if you live in NYC or San Fran, but it isn't essential.

Read the full instructions here:http://photojojo.com/help_wanted.html



Thursday, August 23, 2007

Look Book Contest

Ambient Design is hosting a "Look Book" contest highlighting fall fashion and quality clothing made on Etsy. And being the self-proclaimed fashionista that I am, I just had to participate. Check out my Look Book entry....




Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Recent Custom Orders

I just finished up a couple of custom cards and I'm dying to share the pics! The first one was a Thank You card. I just love the print. :o)


The second one is a birthday card and I'm in love with it. It's the first time I've used fibers on a card. I really like the whimsical effect it has!

Every Wednesday is Whatcha Want Wednesday at Handcrafted by Janice. Take an additional 10% off your custom order!

Monday, August 13, 2007

Okay, who's having a baby?

I made this cute little baby girl card for a recent baby shower. I had so much fun making it and I'm really happy with how it turned out. So happy, that I'm dying to make more! So, I ask: Who's having a baby? These cards can be customized for either a new baby boy or girl. They make great new baby announcements and shower invitations!


Tuesday, August 7, 2007

NEW: Daily Specials!



Check it....Handcrafted by Janice now has daily specials! Check my shop every Monday - Friday for a new promotion.

www.HandcraftedbyJanice.com

MySpace Mondays: If you're one of my MySpace friends, take an additional 15% off anything in the store. Mention 'MySpace' at checkout. If you're not one of my friends...add me quick!
www.myspace.com/handcraftedbyjanice

Tag Tuesday: Take an additional 10% off of all gift tags in the shop! Mention 'T.T.' at checkout.

Whatcha Want Wednesday: It's all about what YOU want! Take an additional 10% off all custom orders. Convo me with your rquest and I'll create a listing for your item.

Thank You Thursday: Take an additional 10% off any thank you card. Mention 'TYT' at checkout.

Free Shipping Friday: Free shipping on all orders today! Mention 'FFF' at checkout.

Saturday, August 4, 2007

Win a piece of jewelry!



I was reading a blog post over at Elizabeth Williams about her jewelry giveaway. She's giving away one of her jewlery pieces! Don't miss out on this. You can view her shop at http://www.eliwill.etsy.com/ and her blog at Elizabeth Williams. My favorite piece is the Jolie Necklace, shown above.
I think I'll add it to my "Have to have" list!

Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Friday, August 3, 2007

Featured Artist...FeralGlass!

I'd like to introduce you to John Byrne of Feral Glass. John works with glass and makes the most amazing garden glass. My favorite is Harbor Dawn. The colors work great together. I'm not exactly a green thumb with the flowers if you know what I mean, but these pieces from Feral Glass are sure to bring vibrant color to any garden. Stop by John's shop and take a look-see!
**If you'd like to be one of my featured artists, drop me a line!**
Feral Glass
Who are you?
John Byrne, d/b/a Feral Glass
What is your Etsy Shop Name/link?
What tag categories do you specialize in?
art, glass
Do you create for children or adults, women or men?
My creations are enjoyed by all ages...While most of my Feral Glass pieces are made for outdoors, I also have hanging sculptures for your windows or smaller pieces for decks or high-rise balconies. Even urban dwellers can enjoy Feral Glass. Perhaps I can help your mind escape from captivity and run wild as well ;-)
What do you like about Etsy?
I like two things the most. First, it is easy for the customers and provides a clear, clean and easy to use format for presentation and for transactions. Second, it is such a great community of supportive and intelligent artists. As a newcomer I had a million questions about how to set up a shop and how to manage it for best effect. The Etsy community has been there with me the whole way. Very pleasant people with very creative ideas.
What do you like about creating?
There are several steps in the process. The one I like most is when a design "comes together". It is not a rational thing, but more of a visceral "feeling" of warmth right in your solar plexus. A yoga friend of mine said that makes sense because of where the "creative chacra" resides. You can be staring at your piece and trying a few different things, and then all of a sudden, by adding or moving one small element, the whole comes together as a strong, flowing statement. Cool feeling. The other aspect of creating which I enjoy most is the joy it brings to others when I show them my work. I have given quite a few pieces as gifts and now for sale. It feels good when someone comes up to me at a craft fair and says the piece they received as a Christmas gift is so beautiful and adds so much to their yard.
Is your Etsy business part time or full time?
I do my art as a full-time endeavor. Etsy is a new part of that mix. To set up the shop and learn from the Etsy user forums, I spent some long days and nights on-line. Now I can get back into the glass studio and create, knowing I have a good showcase for the pieces when they are complete.
What do you love about your Etsy business?
Of course I like the sales. But I also get a boost from the nice email comments from people or from being "hearted". Hopefully some of the "hearts" will become sales as the holidays approach.. My garden glass looks great in the snow.
What is your favorite product right now?
Of mine? I like the tall garden spirits, especially when there are three or more in a grouping. Feral Glass looks best when traveling in small herds. For what you pay for one painting on your wall, you can have 4-5 feral works adding interest to a large swath of garden or lawn. Other people's products? I love the beautiful dichroic and fused glass jewelry I see on Etsy. But I am "between girlfriends" right now, so don't buy much jewelry.
What makes you unique at Etsy?
No one else makes this outdoor garden sculpture. Not only are the technique and designs unique, but it also puts art into unexpected places. Whether it is mid summer or mid-winter, these make great splashes of color and form where least expected (but most enjoyed). Most stained glass leads a tame, domesticated life atop your lamps or staring wistfully out of your windows. Feral Glass runs wild on legs of brass.
What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
I am new to having a web presence, so my Etsy site is the best showcase of my art. However, if you want to see photos of my studio, my self and my beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mts from my studio, check out the albums in www.myspace.com/feralglass
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Saturday, July 28, 2007

Featured Artist...Sellerogoods!

I'd like to introduce you to my featured artist of the week, Leah Moerschel from Sellerogoods. Leah offers some amazing original oil paintings in her shop. My favorite is "Two as One". I would love to hang this one in my living room! Please enjoy the following interview, and then visit Leah's shop at www.sellerogoods.etsy.com.
If you'd like to be a featured artist of the week, drop me a line.
Sellerogoods
Who are you?
Leah Moerschel - wife,mother,artist
What is your Etsy Shop Name/link?
What tag categories do you specialize in?
art, abstract, original, spiritual, surreal, painting, oil
Do you create for children or adults, women or men?
I create for anyone with eyes to see!
What do you like about Etsy?
I love the variety and vast scope of talent available there. From the beginning artist to the mind-blowing and talented senior artists, each item is exactly as unique as it should be!What do you like about creating? I love the release I get from pouring my soul onto my canvases. Whatever I am feeling or going through in my life at that moment shows up in front of me with every brush stroke.
What do you love about your business?
I love that I can wake up and paint, or wake up and not have to....it's up to me and how I am feeling, inspired or not, that particular day.
What is your favorite product right now? http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=5965664 This is my all-time favorite painting from my shop, and I don't know that I will ever be able to part with it. It is so much deeper and more vibrant in person and everyone that sees it always gets something different from it. For me, it was the release of a spiritual transformation- for others it may look like mountains under a sunset!
What makes you unique at Etsy?
I am a Christian and not afraid to say it- my work is a reflection of my Creator and I DO place limits on what I will and will not be willing to create for someone. My canvas is a reflection of my heart, my eyes a window to my soul, my ears a gateway to the Heavens and I don't want anything crossing over any of these that may interrupt my walk with my Savior.
What makes you unique as a woman?
I hold the depths of the ocean in my heart and am stronger than I give myself credit for. I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, an aunt, a cousin, a friend and a WOMAN-which in and of itself is a great,great thing!
What do you love about Kids?
I know that I live and breathe mine-they are the greatest blessings a woman can ever be given! I treasure them and relish every second because they grow up SO QUICKLY!
What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
http://www.sugarfoots.blogspot.com

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Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Are *you* ready?

I just snagged a new treasury....'An Etsymom Christmas'. Christmas is right around the corner. Are *you* ready? Click the link below to visit the treasury. Your clicks and comments are VERY MUCH appreciated!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=4097

Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Monday, July 23, 2007

Banner Exchange Anyone?

I would like to feature a few banners from other artists on my blog and MySpace pages in exchange for a spot for my banner on their blogs/MySpace pages. Anyone up for a banner exchange? Contact me if you're interested!

Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Saturday, July 21, 2007

Featured Artist...Pixie Blossoms!


Introducing my featured artist of the week, Pixie Blossoms. Her digital photography is just beautiful!

If you would like to be a featured artist, contact me at handcraftedbyjanice@yahoo.com.





Pixie Blossoms

Who are you?
I am a woman that loves to create and make pretty things. I am a mother of two little boys and I spend the whole day at home with them. When I have some "free" time, I will enjoy photography, sewing, creating some exquisite and playful pieces for our home, myself, kids and friends. I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro - Brazil and I have lived in the USA since 2002, because I met my husband and he is an American citizen.

Shop name/link
My shop name is Pixie Blossoms and the link is http://pixieblossoms.etsy.com

Categories I specialize in
Usually art (photography), vintage (for my vintage kits), bags and purses and children.

Do you create for children or adults, women or men?
Adults and children, usually for women. I will be making kids' backpacks soon, for little kids and I will make for boys too (kindergarten age).

What do you like about Etsy?
Their organization, it's handy and easy to deal with. I think it's a great site that is helping a lot of people out there to show off their work. It's not easy to build a website (online shop) ourselves and maintain it. I like it more than Ebay. We are able to buy and sell unique handmade work and also I've been finding nice craft supplies.

What do you like about creating?
I love the freedom of choosing whatever comes to my mind. I love to play with different patterns, textures, colors. I feel really good when in the end of a creative process, I like the result and also it's a pleasure to know that people like it too. Creating means something new and I consider myself a very bright and open person, welcome to new ideas, new concepts.

What do you love about your business?
I don't think I own a business. This "business thing" is too big for me. I am small, only one working sometimes, I don't know how things will turn for me in the future. I don't really keep thinking about it. I live this moment now of making few pieces of joy for people, because they really make me feel happy. I like selling and I love when you love what I make. It's all about the pleasure of making and being recognized as well. Money doesn't really matter at this moment.

What is your favorite product right now?
My bags.

What makes you unique at Etsy?
Hmmm, let me see...I can say the way I put so much on my products. I spend hours on each of them. I will try all possibilities before finishing something. I like the style I am in right now, it's playful, it's colorful, it's happy, it has a different touch, a vintage feel. Also, my photographs pass the same feeling. It's never sad, never dark. People say I am generous, outspoken and bright. I think the uniqueness of my products reflects who I am.

What makes you unique as a woman?
We are all unique. I don't wanna be pretentious...we are all unique.

What do you love about your kids?
They are so smart, so beautiful...they amaze me all the time. I love the fact that they are here, they are around me all the time, I love to have the chance to be their mother. I am very grateful for that!!!!

What are some other sites to find out more about you and what you love to create?
I have a blog since last year and it's fun. Come visit anytime! http://journal.pixieblossoms.com
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Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Thursday, July 19, 2007

5 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

So, I was thinking, "You know....I'm fairly new to this blogging thing, and most of my readers don't really know me at all."

And that got me thinking some more, "I should share a few tidbits of information about myself. Maybe, oh I don't know, build up some rapport with people? What a novel idea!" (Hee hee...sarcasm is fun.)

5 Things You Probably Don't Know About Me

  1. My first language was sign language. My parents are deaf and I have two sisters, one brother, and nine nieces and nephews who are all deaf. Everyone always says to me, "Wow, Janice, it must have been so quiet growing up in your house." Uhh....no, not really. Deaf people are the loudest freakin' people I know!
  2. I love lemons. And I'm not talking about how they taste, how they smell....although they taste and smell just fine. I'm talking about how they look. Something about a bowl of lemons that gets me all warm and fuzzy inside.
  3. I'm a cancer survivor. When I was 22 years old and 6 months pregnant with my second daughter, I was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. I kicked some abnormal cell booty and am doing great now.
  4. I used to have a pet iguana. He was the coolest pet ever! His name was Spike and went everywhere with me.... the grocery store, the pool, the mall, anywhere! He'd just perch right up on my shoulder and chill.
  5. I'm a Hooters Girl. I have worked for Hooters on and off for eight years. If I had to work for someone else, it's the most awesome job I could ever have.

So there ya have it. We are now officially acquaintances. Drop me a line sometime, it's only polite. ((wink))


Etsy Shop * Flickr * Love.li Shop

Monday, July 9, 2007

Gift Boxes!



I have been thinking about adding a new product to my store. I love my greeting cards, but people need more than that when they're gift-giving. Gift boxes! People need beautiful gift boxes, it dawned on me. So, I tried folding one gift box out of paper, to see if it even resembled a box. (grin) And whaddaya know.... a new product is born. Introducing, the hand-folded paper gift box. I have so much fun making these and the list is endless when it comes to paper and color combinations. Not to mention, all the pretty ribbon to top it off! Stop by my Etsy shop and take a look. If you purchase an item, put 'Blog' in the notes to seller and I'll give you free shipping. Wait for me to send you a revised invoice!

Saturday, June 30, 2007

I can't believe it!




Happy 4th of July! To celebrate, I'm having a killer sale! Buy one get one FREE on anything in my shop through midnight on July 4th!

Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Candy Shop Cards

I just finished these cards about 30 minutes ago. They remind me of bubble gum or a candy shop or something. Too cute! Click on the pic above to see more photos. Hope you enjoy them as much as I did making them!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

XOXO

I just finished these vibrant little notecards. I'm really feelin' the color combo! Can you tell I have summer on my mind? Click on the picture to see more photos!

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Love and Be Loved


This card has to be one of my favorites. But then again, I think I say that about all of them at one point or another! This one almost looks "quilt-inspired". I used beautiful shades of purple and blue in this one. The front of the card features an inspiring message that reads: "Love and Be Loved". The back of the card has my signature stamp that reads: "Made with (heart) by:" and I have signed my name.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Look what I just bought!

I found these really cool crayon roll ups on Etsy in Trendy Tootsie's Shop. I thought they were just adorable so I bought two, one for the girls to share and one for the boys. They just came in the other day and, I tell ya, they're a big hit with the kiddos! And do you know what the best thing about them is? The kids actually *like* cleaning up their crayons now! No more broken crayons all over the floor because they aren't getting picked up! The craftsmanship was great on these products. They looked even better in person! Another great Etsy shopping experience.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Cute Autumn Scarecrow


My little girls and I were playing arts and crafts today and look what I did! And yes, I realize it's only June. Not *quite* time for autumn yet. :o) But I had this really cute scarecrow stamp and just had to use it. So now I have a head start on my Thanksgiving cards!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

My girls are here!


They're finally here! My two daughters (ages 6 and 3) have been spending a few months with their dad and now it's Mommy time again! I am so grateful to be able to see my little angels every day. The girls love crafting as much as I do, so don't be surprised to see some of their own original artwork on here!

My First Swap!


I am a member of an online scrapbooking group where they do scrapping swaps. I had never even heard of one, let alone participate in a swap. But, I decided to try something new and sign up. The theme was Retro...the pinks and the browns. Such a cute color combination! The assignment was to create 13 identical 6 x 6 layout pages using the color scheme and one embellishment of our choice. I just finished all 13 pages, but before putting them in the mail, I took some photos to share with you. Let me know what you think of my first swap creation!

Retro Kitty Cat Cards

I was up late last night and couldn't sleep so I decided to mess around in my craft room. Lo and behold my newest creation....the Retro Kitty Cat cards! I think the cards are fun and people like fun. :o) I made six cards in three different colors: pink, blue and green. The pink ones are my favorite...only 'cause it's my favorite color.