Check out this wonderful collection curated by MarquisCreations , she included my turquoise and brown clutch purse in it.  Isn't that bangle bracelet cool.  Off to do some creating, I'll bring photos when I get back.

Brown and Turquoise

Curated By: MarquisCreati...

ArtFire.com

Lighthouses

Lighthouse Ornaments - qsell

Point Wilson, WA Lighthouse Ornament EUC Cosmos 1998 Fire Island, NY Lighthouse ornament EUC Cosmos 1998 Ft. Gratiot, MI. Lighthouse Ornament Cosmos 1998 EUC

Making collections on Artfire

As I was making a collection on Artfire recently I noticed there were so many great items I wouldn't use.  Here are some of the reasons this happens.
no banner in shop ~ I wont use them because if they can't take the time to have a banner I wont take the time to add them to my collections. There is no reason not to have one, if your setting up shop you should put something up you can buy one fairly inexpensively or learn to make one.
no avatar in shop ~ same thoughts on this as I had about the banner, buy it or learn to make one.
haven't checked in for more than a week ~ I want to put items in my collection from someone that is active in their shop.  This one I do look at other things when this comes to my attention.  If they are a pro shop they have policies, bio, banner, avatar I may overlook the check in. I think the check in is totally a personal choice and although I do it and I think customers like it I wont always omit just for that. 
adding coins, measuring tape etc in picture to show size ~ its a great idea to have these pictures for customers to see, but don't use them as your first picture.
blurry pictures ~ if your first picture is blurry, I wont use your item in my collection. I know doing pictures for a lot of us is something to continue working on, I'm always working to make them better.  Listen to advise from others, try all things because you never know what will work for you. A great resource is this Photography Guide for Products  on Artfire.
no bio ~ no excuse for not having this done.
no policies or very vague policies ~ basics you should have are shipping, payment, returns, how to contact you.  you should try and think of anything your customer will want to know and address it here.  Always check your policies every month or two to see if there is anything to update, or get rid of.
These are the main things I look at when I'm putting together a collection.

My favorite place to be, California coast June 2011

Have a great weekend, Kathi

Artfire ~ ideas for my new look

This is my first attempt, I used a picture of a cream colored satin fabric, I used a brown font color, and brown background and navigation bars.  I liked the colors but it just didn't stand out, just blah.

One of the things that I was excited about when I took my Artfire shop pro was to have a larger selection of colors to make my shop a reflection of me.  The first color I choose to use was pink, so this banner was inspired by that.

After I saw how the pink looked with the cream satin fabric background I knew I needed to try the purple, just because I like purples.  I like this but it still isn't exactly what I want, but I'm getting close.

What can I say, I like the ladybugs.  I tried a picture of me in the avatar ........ not sure if it will stay.

This is my current one.  I like using a white background with splashes of color.

I've been working on a new banner for when the design of our shops changes.  Here are a few of the ones I've come up with.  I will update this post with any new attempts that I come up with.

Just finished this version (7-27-11) colorful and cheerful :)

Lucky little ladybugs

Ladybugs ... I put this cute collection full of a variety of ladybugs.  All the studios in this collection is having a Christmas in July sale.  Enjoy :)

Ladybug, ladybug ...

Curated By: kathisewnsew

ArtFire.com

Purses and purse accessaries ~ Christmas in July sales

I created this collection of purses and purse accessories from Artfire studios that are having Christmas in July sales.  Each of these studios are having a Christmas in July sale. Come on in and find that perfect gift here at Artfire. 

Mix and Match Pur...

Curated By: kathisewnsew

ArtFire.com

Enjoy your day,

Kathi

Christmas in July on Artfire

Come to the Christmas in July  sale on Artfire.  I'm sure you will find that special unique gift that you can't find in any regular store.  I love shopping on Artfire, just recently I bought a

Pewter Axe handmade metal chain Tribal necklace

from wildcatleatherco for my youngest son for his high school graduation, he really likes it, and she was wonderful to deal with, I would shop there again.  The other gift I am about to buy I can't show you now but I will show you after it is given.
Here is the Christmas in July sale I'm having in my Artfire studio kathisewnsew's handmade and vintage boutique
* July 1, 2011 through July 31, 2011 - 15% off selected studio sections, No coupon needed
Here is a list of my studio categories for the above15% off:
purses & totes  
weekender bag & large totes 
wristlets 
zippered pouches  
cotton wallets 
cell phone - gadget bags  
mini crochet bags  
crocheted coasters  
more crochet items  
mouse pads 
necklaces  
beaded chokers  
anklets  
earrings
* Now through July 15, 2011 all vintage books are marked 25% off, NO coupon needed.
Fiction ~ Vintage books
Non Fiction ~ Vintage books
Collections ~ Vintage books
Readers Digest ~ Vintage books
Cook, Gardening, Handyman ~ Vintage books
* July 1, 2011 through July 31, 2011 - all orders of 2 or more items will receive free shipping
 Have a great 4th of July weekend.
Kathi

No bake cookie recipe

chocolate, peanut butter, oatmeal no bake cookies

This is my favorite recipe for cookies on one of these hot summer days.  This recipe is a very simple recipe and it wont heat up your house.
Chocolate peanut butter oatmeal drops
ingredients:
1/2 cup butter or margarine
2 cups white sugar
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/2 cup peanut butter crunchy or creamy
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups quick cooking oats
Bring butter, sugar, milk and cocoa to boil. let boil for exactly 1 minute and 30 seconds.  Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and peanut butter. Then stir in oats.  Quickly drop with spoon or ice cream scoop onto wax paper, foil, or parchment paper.  Let cool then store in ziplock bag.
Enjoy,  Kathi

Handmade Cat Collars

I have something new to add to my shop that came abourt when I found something about 8 months ago.  It was my cat Ricky.  He was about 4 weeks old and his mother had abandoned him.  Ricky has become an indoor / outdoor cat, and I have been worrying that someone would think he was a stray.  I bought a collar at the local department store.  But I didn't think it was safe, if he got it caught on something when hes playing he might not be able to free himself.  After a short time I took it off and he didn't wear that collar again.  So I went in search of something safer, that's when I found these breakaway clips for cat collars.  The break away collar clip is designed to come apart if the cat gets it caught on something, and his weight should open the clasp, clasp can then be refastened.  I made my first cat collar for Ricky, it was OK, but the fabric I choose had some stretch and that made it stretch out some.  The next one I made was with a good quality cotton fabric and double thick interfacing to keep its shape and softness.  I will be posting more about these wonderful collars real soon.
You can read the story about how Ricky the cat finds a home on my Artfire blog.

Ricky decided to join the photo shoot of the cat collars.  Ricky is modeling his brown handmade cat collar and checking out the other cat collars :)

Ricky decided to wear the Fourth of July cat collar. I think it gives him that patriotic look.

These cat collars will be arriving in kathisewnsew handmade and vintage shop this week.
Enjoy your weekend.
Kathi