May Pursuit of Handmade

"Of all my work, this has to be my favorite. It changes you when you put it on. I loved it so much, I made one for myself as well! The name "Gyonhehgoh" is a Cayuga Indian name meaning...you guessed it...What keeps us alive. I grew up around the Cayuga Indian lands and visited their longhouse when I was a little girl. I remember the old woman who showed me how she was beading a traditional Native American pouch. Maybe that's where my love of creating came from? Turquoise has always drawn me to it, and when I create a piece with it, I never know what I'll end up with. This particular turquoise was so exquisite that I had to keep it simple. The large flower is from the Karen Hill Tribes. They are truly masters of their art. The name given to the piece is my way of acknowledging that old woman who shared herself and her culture with me. The title "What keeps us alive" is how I feel about being able to create. Creating to me is like water for all of us....something we can't live without."

Here is our first entry for the May Pursuit of Handmade... And what a way to kick it all off! Gorgeous, unique, and wonderful craftsmanship.. So, without further introductions....



See this wonderful work and the inspiration behind it at:

http://www.artfire.com/users/chattycats


http://www.beadersshowcase.com/photo/photo/show?id=2049967%3APhoto%3A94816

Take a Minute and share the May Pursuit of Handmade with others! Use either the share button located below or the one at the upper left hand side of the blog! Simply Share with facebook, twitter, and other hot spots you belong to! When sharing on twitter- type in your message about this blog and the Pursuit of Handmade followed by #POH You can then begin to add your own items to twitter with the follow hashtag of #POH and other members and participants will retweet you and their items! Join the fun at http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com

Interested in Joining the Pursuit of Handmade? Hop over to http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com for all the instructions, details, and how to join the tweet along!

Latest Share the Love Feature

Here she is....

Gabrielle is the owner/designer behind Gabs Bags! Beautiful and orignal fashion creations! You can find Gabs Bags at:

Shop URL
http://GabsBags.artfire.com
2nd Shop URL
http://gabsbags.etsy.com
Website URL
http://gabsbags.ning.com/
Blog URL
http://www.apassionforbags.com


To see more of the share the love series and previous entries, visit the Features link at the upper left column!

Squidoo.... Have you tried it!

 Have you Tried Squidoo?


Want a fun and easy way to promote yourself?  How about your blog- you can actually add a feed to your lens!  Or your Etsy mini?  Sell on ebay?  You can pull your items from ebay and promote them here, too!  There are so many things you can do with squidoo!  If you don't have one, get one!  They are totally free.  Plus, you can actually earn money simply by allowing Amazon and other top name vendors to advertise on your lens!  It is really easy to set one up.  Use it to sell, promote, talk about your hot new items.

 Sign up here!  Piece of cake, I promise!
http://www.squidoo.com/lensmaster/referral/MommyTyme

Once you have signed up, come back here, comment and leave your new lens URL!  I will promote, lens roll, twitter, etc! Your new Squidoo Lens!  Lets all help each other!  It is a great source for getting your name and shop out there!  Really!

For the next few posts I am going to talk about the tools Squidoo offers and the best way to utilize them.  I am in the learning process, too!  So, lets work together!

So Remember, leave your Squidoo Lens URL here so we can all find it!  Readers... Take a minute and visit the Lens posted!  Comment, comment, comment! 

I look forward to checking out everyones!  Oh, here is mine:

http://www.squidoo.com/MommyTyme

Facebbok Fan Page First Ever Contest- Sweetest Sweet for Your Sweety!

If you have not had a chance to check it out, I am so excited about the new contest we are running on the Mommy Tyme Facebook Fan Page!  if you have not seen my ads for this, then really, you should stop by and add your item!  It's one entry per person, you MUST be a fan of the page, but really... That is the only catch!  Just post your picture of your item, a link to your shop, and your email or contact for me!  Thats it!  Oh, deadline for posting is 2/1!  I will put all the photos and shops together in a scrapbook style page, post it on facebook, the fan page, my blogs, and my website!  I will also give you all the code, if you want to post it!  We will all vote (and guests can vote,too!  so get your family and friends involved!) for the Sweetest Sweet for your Sweety!  The winner receives a cute little mini bath box I created with handmade mini bath bars, lip balms, and solid all natural fragrance!  Hope you enjoy, and just in time for Valentines Day... So check out the facebook posting at the top of this page, click on Fan, and come in to join the fun!

http://www.facebook.com/MommyTyme?ref=name#/pages/Mommy-Tyme-Bath-and-Unique-Gifts/87968482686?ref=mf
For those who do not create or sell handmade items... That is ok!  Jump on in and see the fantastic items people are listing!  Wow, there is some gorgeous jewelry, great scarves, and so much more... You can help us find the sweetest gift by voting!

Share The Love...

As part of our ongoing effort to Pursue the Handmade, I have just signed up to be a part of this fantastic new marketing idea- Share the Love- through On Fire for Handmade! This wonderful project features an artisan each week, and in a joint effort, all members of Share the Love will take some time to explore and discuss this Creative Genius's fantastic works! How brilliant is this? I am so excited about this new venture! So, stay tuned...each week not only will we review the artisans in the ongoing exploration of handmade that I find on the web- but we will also have an extra post with our Share the Love Artisan, too! Isn't this great?


Visit On Fire for Handmade


Remember, if you have a shop, or just love to create, and would like to share your passion with us... Just comment with a contact, URL, email, etc! and I will get back to you ASAP!

If you would like to share a pattern, How To, etc. please let me know! I am anxiously trying to find some additions to a new series that will start in mid January called "I could do that..."! So, stay tuned for that, also!

Another Holiday contest at Great Finds... See the last minute items!

Another Great Finds Holiday Contest is up and running!  Once again, I took the plunge and entered!  I have posted a red suede scarf/neckwarmer with tie closure and frill!  I would be honored if you could take a moment and give me a vote.  Get to the Great Finds contest by clicking below on the link, then simply look to the left- all of the entrants are listed! 

Take a moment and check out all the fantastic items listed for the Holiday!  Next week begins a New Years Bling contest!  See the details on the page on how to enter your own item...

Great Finds by Made for Me by Oaklie

Ok Vendors, Handmade Artisans extrordinairre.... List your shops

Well, as part of my Pursuit of the Perfect Handmade Holiday I am going to start posting finds on the web that you may not run across on your own... As I have said before, I truly believe in supporting the arts and craftsmanship of individual entrepenuers! so, in that spirit I am asking that you list your shop, URL, etc! Unlike some other blogs, I am not creating a directory (although feel free to use it that way), I am simply looking for some shops to browse, investigate, promote and talk about here on my blog! All you have to do is list your URL! I am going to approach your shop as any other shopper and then talk about the great deals, fun stuff and items I can't wait to find! I have not even begun my Xmas shopping, so sell me!

Do you have a Fuzz B shop? Zibbet? MIM? Where do you sell? List them here! Starting December 1st I am going to begin my reviews from my browsing!

Contest reminder! Still open!

So far, I have had some great responses... but, the contest is open until 10/10! So, keep tweeting, commenting, andmore! The more you hsare and comment, the more entries you have! That really increases your odds! Thanks for your participation, folks! I enjoy reviewing your "about me" on blogger, and finding your blogs! Wow! so many interesting and talented people I have met with one little old blog!


Mommy Tyme Gifts is going to join in the contest fun! I am always giving away something on the website, but I think this time I will post it to potential new fans and see what happens!

Up for grabs is 1 Extra Large handmade bath bar or butter bar in your choice of scents! You choose. Visit my shop at http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com and browse which item you would like!

Here is how to Enter:

1. Comment which product you would choose for the giveaway
2. Follow me on facebook (see the become a fan widget on this page)
3. Tweet the contest with a link to http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com (you can just copy and paste this in your twitter bar or use the share button in the sidebar)
4. Sign the guestbook at http://www.mommytyme.org

Want Extra entries:

Just blog about this contest on your blog-
Subscribe to my blog-

2 extra entries each for completing either of those options!

When you leave your comment please leave your link to twitter and your blog where I can see you shared the contest information (Plus, I will follow you back!)

Lets get going! Contest closes 10/10/09!!!

Reminding you all about the contest!

Go to http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com for more information!

Mommy Tyme Gifts ig going to join in the contest fun! I am always giving away something on the website, but I think this time I will post it to potential new fans and see what happens!

Up for grabs is 1 Extra Large handmade bath bar or butter bar in your choice of scents! You choose. Visit my shop at http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com and browse which item you would like! Then go to the blog and do the following:

Here is how to Enter:

1. Comment which product you would choose for the giveaway
2. Follow me on facebook (see the become a fan widget on this page)
3. Tweet the contest with a link to http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com (you can just copy and paste this in your twitter bar or use the share button in the sidebar)
4. Sign the guestbook at http://www.mommytyme.org

Want Extra entries:

Just blog about this contest on your blog-
Subscribe to my blog-

2 extra entries each for completing either of those options!

When you leave your comment please leave your link to twitter and your blog where I can see you shared the contest information (Plus, I will follow you back!)

Lets get going! Contest closes 10/10/09!!!

Give Away at Mommy Tyme!

So far, I have had some great responses... but, the contest is open until 10/10! So, keep tweeting, commenting, andmore! The more you hsare and comment, the more entries you have! That really increases your odds! Thanks for your participation, folks! I enjoy reviewing your "about me" on blogger, and finding your blogs! Wow! so many interesting and talented people I have met with one little old blog!


Mommy Tyme Gifts is going to join in the contest fun! I am always giving away something on the website, but I think this time I will post it to potential new fans and see what happens!

Up for grabs is 1 Extra Large handmade bath bar or butter bar in your choice of scents! You choose. Visit my shop at http://www.MommyTyme.etsy.com and browse which item you would like!

Here is how to Enter:

1. Comment which product you would choose for the giveaway
2. Follow me on facebook (see the become a fan widget on this page)
3. Tweet the contest with a link to http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com (you can just copy and paste this in your twitter bar or use the share button in the sidebar)
4. Sign the guestbook at http://www.mommytyme.org

Want Extra entries:

Just blog about this contest on your blog-
Subscribe to my blog-

2 extra entries each for completing either of those options!

When you leave your comment please leave your link to twitter and your blog where I can see you shared the contest information (Plus, I will follow you back!)

Lets get going! Contest closes 10/10/09!!!

Excerpt from Mishaps of Mommy Blog- Enjoy!

Well, here it is September.... I have been very busy with the blogs this month! I hope you have learned and benefitted from some of the tips, links, and ideas we have shared here! I also hope you have had the chance to check out some of my other blogs-
Mommy's Reviews you Can Use at http://mommysreviewsyoucanuse.blogspot.com
A New You at http://mommytymeswordsofwisdom.blogspot.com

Each of these blogs has different content to help you with your life, family, business, etc. So, please give them a view!

Also, as a new business owner, salesperson, handmade/handcrafted artisan, you may still find the market a tough nut to crack! I know I do! Some weeks are great, while others I feel like I am just wasting time- but, patience and diligence are the keys! So, keep moving forward!

Last month on the web site at http://www.mommytyme.org I gave away several free sample products for my contest/drawing- and the winner has been announced- visit the site and see who it is!



This month, again, I am offering a free gift for participating in the contest that runs between all of my blogs and the site! Up for grabs - an extra large, 50unce, butter Bath Bar- these great bars are jam packed with skin loving essentials like organic jojoba oil, honey, shea butter, a heaping scoop of organic cocoa butter, kokum butter, lanolin, vegetable glycerin and more! Moisturize while you shower or bathe! These come in fantastic, rich, long lasting scents that you will love! I will be giving one bar away every 10 days until October 10th! So, check back often and see if your announced! Then just contact me with the shipping address!







So, here are the new entry rules for the Butter Bar Giveaway:

1. Follow Mommy Tyme on Twitter - see the follow me button below (I will follow you back!)



2. Follow the blog
3. Sign the guestbook at the website http://www.mommytyme.org
4. Use the share button below - simply share this with at least 3 places (facebook, twitter, digg, etc. any of the choices listed, or you can share with the same site 3 times- it does not matter to me!)

Once you have done that, your name goes into the drawing bowl! That's it, that's all! To ensure your name is entered (in case you have any doubts) you can ask for confirmation in a comment on any of my blogs, or you can request confirmation in the guestbook at the site, or you can even email me at Mommytyme70@yahoo.com

Good luck!


More opportunities- Do you write well? Would you love to share a story about your WAH? Your opportunities you offer? Your items? etc? Do you have an article that women can benefit from? Well, write me an article for the website! Submit your article to Mommytyme70@yahoo.com and if I use it on the site, you will receive free Banner advertising with a link for as long as I use the article! You can write about your work, your items you create, offer a free pattern, recipe, whatever. I am open to take in all types of content! This is a great chance for more exposure for you, and for your business!


Finally- Interested in posting a link on my shopping pages of the website? It's simple! Just pick up one of my banners listed below, - post it on your site or blog with my link



Link to : http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com



http://mommytymeswordsofwisdom.blogspot.com





http://www.mommytyme.org



then send me an email with your banner and link and let me know where I can find mine on your site! That is it! I love reciprocal advertising and banner exchanges!

Hi all. I wanted to take a moment to share an email I received today- I realize this is a form email (so to speak), but it really, truly offended me. I belong to several social networks and I take time to read most of the invites, emails, etc. that I receive. Many time does not allow me to attend, but I do acknowledge the fact that my social network friends thought to invite me. I also read sales pitches and have been added to many vendors email lists. If it is something I am not interested in, I just delete it. I never send rude or hurtful mails back to people. I am a member of facebook, Yahoo, Twitter, etc. so I receive tons of mail. I also have my own webstie, 4 stores, and 3 blogs- so I expect a lot of mail. Today, however, I received the following:

"Hello Valerie,

This message serves as notification that you will not receive any more courtesy notices from our members for two days. Messages you have sent will remain in a lower priority queue for our member to review at their leisure.

Future messages will be more likely to be viewed if you are on our member's priority Guest List. "

Now, currently I do not belong to Boxbe, nor do I have the time or interest to set up an account. I feel as if I am being blackmailed into doing this, otherwise individuals will not receive my emails. I am unfamiliar with Boxbe, so could someone please enlighten me. Does the user have control over these settings? Is this the users choice? Or is it automatic? Do you think receiving messages like this are rude? Or am I overreacting? I am just curious on your thoughts...

Twitter, webfetti, Fairy Backgrounds- Layouts and more...

If you are trying to spice up your blog, your layouts, web site or social network pages- I highly recommend using the background fairy (link is in upper left corner of my Mishaps of Mommy blog at http://mishapsofmommy.blogspot.com)

You may try the webfetti add on, also. However, I had multiple computer glitches start immediately after using the webfetti templates and adding the toolbar (you have to load the toolbar to get access to the layouts)- I seriously discourage downloading the toolbar.

I would love to hear your experiences with either of these graphic pages. Please share them here. I have seen many people using graphics from webfetti on social networks- are you having any computer problems from the download? I would love to know.

Finally- want to tweet all the time- well download the twitter bar below. This is a quick, simple, easy access way to work your twitter page while doing other things, too! Find something cool on the web? Just add a quick tweet without having to find your twitter home page. Try it, let me know how it works for you!

TwitterBar

Embed this widget See full results for TwitterBar