Santa Visits the Harry T. Clunn Memorial VFW In Bensalem

Each year for the last 4 my Santa has volunteered at the Harry T. Clunn Memorial VFW Christmas Party for the children and grandchildren of our local Vets. Santa feels very strongly about giving back something to these men and women who sacrificed so much to keep us safe that he is honored each year to be asked to come back to visit with the kids.

The pictures tell the story.

From Santa and Me a big thank you to all our Vets and future Vets serving now.  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year filled with peace and prosperity for our great country.

Hint, Hint, Hint - Find the Hidden Santas

Want to play the game but just can't find 3 pictures of our Santa?
Here's one of them - a hint to get you started:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=19425806

Visit our participating shops to spot just 2 more sightings and you're ready to enter!!

Find 3 Santa sightings and you're well on your way to grabbing the prize basket!

Email the 3 [three] URLs along with your name and address to:
esmartspromos [at] yahoo.ca

Visit http://www.esmarts.blogspot.com for more details and the list of participating shops.

Hidden Santa Treasure Hunt November 14-28, 2009

Contest Update: eSMArts team is sharing the love with a handmade bundle to warm your holidays!

Enter our Hidden Santa Treasure Hunt to WIN a Christmas Gift Bundle of unique handmade creations.

The complete prize package, item photos and detailed descriptions will be announced on the Esmarts Blog  shortly.

Our contest begins November 14th so check the Esmarts Blog for the full list of Sponsor Shops. 

Sponsor Shop banners will be displayed at the top of the Esmarts blog (both left and right sidebar). 

Simply click the banners to visit each of our Sponsor Shops.

How to Play:

• Check the Esmarts blog for contest details and a list of participating eSMArts Sponsor Shops.
• Visit each participating shop to find images of our santa.
• Make note of the url where you find our santa pictured!
• HINT: santa images are not embedded yet. They won't be online until the contest start date of November 14, 2009.

Here's how to complete each entry:

1. find 3 Santa images that you haven't previously submitted.
2. Email the urls along with your name & address to esmartspromos [at] yahoo.ca to be entered.
   
3. Find new/unsubmitted Santa image urls and enter as many times as you like!
4. Entries will be validated to ensure that contestants are submitting fresh Santa spottings.
5. Remember that 3 new Santa image urls equals ONE additional contest entry.

• Contest runs November 14-28, 2009 (close is November 28/09 at midnight eastern).
• Drawing takes place November 29th
• Winner will be announced here November 30th
• Prize package ships December 1st, 2009.

check back for hunting hints and tips!
and Happy Hunting :)

Team eSMArts Wants to Wish You a Merry Christmas!

Team eSMArts Wants to Wish You a Merry Christmas!

We are making plans, and we're checking them twice. We want to make sure your Christmas is nice!

eSMArts members across the globe are coming together to make your Holiday Season special this year. We have a bag full of gifts all handmade and donated by eSMArts artists from Etsy and Artfire and it can be yours to use as Christmas gifts or to keep for your own - you decide.

The game starts November 14th so check back often for updates and maybe even a clue or two!

Stay tuned to Hidden Santa at the Hidden Santa Blog for more details

Basic Copper Smithing and Flame Painting

Can't wait to play with this, although in the clip he mentions 6000 degrees as the temperature of the flame, I found this great video that is a copper wire groupies dream. "Basic Copper Smithing and Flame Painting" is available through a number of different venues. I located it first on Total Vid and the reviews give it high marks for brazing but low marks for flame painting, something I really wanted to get ideas about. There is a short clip on the site to give you an idea of quality too.






This next site won't teach you how to smith but it is sure pretty to look at. Coppersmithing by Sian


And finally for today," Art of Coppersmithing:A Practical Treatise on Working Sheet Copper into All Forms" in paper back by John Fuller on Amazon.com.

Basic Copper Smithing can also be found on Amazon for purchase.


Now, my next goal is to find lessons on Flame Painting. I can just imagine wide copper cuffs that look like that first picture.



Visit A Beaded Affair for copper wire and beads, Bead Store Quality at Gem Show Pricing. Discounts start at $50.00.

Snooze Through Financial News

Turning on the financial news is akin to hitting the "snooze" button on my clock radio. I don't understand it, don't want to understand it and probably never will. A really short sighted and foolish reaction on my part, I know. I should care. I almost want to care but it's so complicated. Dow this and NASDAC that. What does it all mean?

I read and explain legal documents for a living for heavens sake. You would think I could get my head around the financial world. Not so. If it isn't mortgages and real estate I don't get it. Only one thing is sure though, I probably never will.

Today I ran across an article in The New York Times, Stocks and Gold Gain as Investors Shun the Dollar during a search for information on the copper market. Bad news "the dollar is weak", buy gold, silver and copper.

As I read through the article, all the while fighting the urge to hit the "snooze" button it struck me that investing in gold, silver and other metals right now with my "weakened" dollars is betting against the U.S. Basically, buying metals says I don't believe that the U.S. is going to come out of the recession and the dollar won't strengthen over time. Seems to me, this is a lose, lose situation. If the dollar strengthens the price of gold will come down and I lose gold value and if the dollar continues to weaken my gold might be worth more but it's worth more in a devalued dollar so how is that a benefit?

Not that I'm going to stop buying gold, silver and copper for creating jewelry but it seems to me, if I'm going to invest I want it to benefit my Country. Something tangible that I can see and touch. Think I'll stick with real estate. Something I understand, has an impact on where I live, supports the infrastructure of our American culture, keeps the tax rolls rolling and provides business or residential opportunities for Americans.

The banks need to loosen up the purse strings, work out all their kinks and start lending our money to us again to strengthen and stabilize the housing market in this country. Not that I'm in favor of foolish lending, quite the contrary. I was appalled by many of the loans I saw closed over the last 10 years and years ago predicted many of the problems we've had including the crash. If I could see it, how could the powers that be, be so blind. Greed probably, but that's another story for another day. Lending money creates jobs. Seems simple to me.

If you've read this far and not hit the "snooze" button, thank you. I now return you to our regularly scheduled program.

Shop A Beaded Affair for Copper Wire, Beads and Findings. Bead Store Quality at Gem Show Prices.

Making Lemonade out of Lemons - Phoenix Rising Glass Art

This is my second Lemonade Award post. The reason is simple. I found a great lady who makes the most delicious art you can wear. Her newest venture is these fluffy, fun crochet scarves. Who can resist fluffy when it's cold outside?







Find these and many more creative pieces of art you can wear at Phoenix Rising on 1000 Markets, Artfire and Etsy. Check out her blog for Phoenix Rising Glass Art to see what Jann is up to.

I love the designs created by Jann and here's the reason why in her own words.

"My shop designs and creations are for the Rubenesque Woman. I believe that whatever shape a woman is deserving of beautiful jewelry that looks great and fits properly, luscious and great fitting outer wear and dazzling accessories."



So, Jann, you've been awarded the Lemonade Award. Pass it on to those you admire most.






Dear Readers, Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair for Bead Store Quality at Gem Show Pricing.

Lemonade Award for Me? Sweet - Fresh or Melodius

What a nice surprise tonight to find I've been awarded the Lemonade Award by Mary Ann Gruen of Starlight Blog for featuring the team members of ESMarts, the Etsy team I belong to. For quite a while I seriously neglected my blog because I really didn't feel like I had anything to say. I guess everyone goes through that.

Recently though, I realized there are plenty of talented people out there that have something to say and they say it most eloquently in pictures. So I started posting the pictures that I like of the work my friends do. I sure hope you've enjoyed looking at my posts as much as I have putting them together.

In honor of receiving the Lemonade Award each of this weeks offerings are: SWEET - Fresh or melodious

Callidora's Shop

Sassy D'Light by Anna Lee

Chic Hats n More

Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair, supplies for the discriminating jewelry designer

Unpretentious - Without Ostentatious Display

Wash When Dirty by Kristina

Of The Earth Artisans by Kim Paluch

Battlefield Rosaries by Karon Adams

Ardent Designs by Joelyn

Don't forget to visit A Beaded Affair for beads and findings for discriminating jewelers.

Didja know? Copper is Antimicrobial

Frequently I find myself surfing the net rather than doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Who doesn't right? Often, copper is my first search and this morning I found an article that might be of interest to many of us.

Search for copper and you get either jewelry, as it should be or electrical/industrial information. This morning, I got all kinds of industrial information and just scanned through, but this article and web site caught my attention. Copper.org. Could it be that there is really something to wearing copper jewelry that can make us healthier? Check out this article at Copper.org.

Historically copper has been used for its antimicrobial properties "The Hippocrates Collection, 460 to 380 B.C., to which the father of medicine contributed, recommends the use of copper for leg ulcers related to varicose veins. Pliny, 23 to 79 A.D., used copper oxide with honey to treat intestinal worms. The Aztecs gargled with a mixture containing copper to treat sore throats." From Copper.org

In light of this, if my cat gets worms, I'm not sure I'd grind up some copper to add to their food, but it does make me wonder about the jewelry we make and the claims some have made about its ability to help with arthritis, a claim that has been made for thousands of years. Studies have now been funded to find out just how many health benefits there may be from copper and it's alloys, including brass and bronze, two other alternate jewelry metals including its antimicrobial properties.

Seems to me, if I can kill germs by wearing a beautiful piece of copper, I'm in. Maybe there is more to our jewelry than we first suspected.


A Beaded Affair - Copper Jewelry Wire, Beads and Findings

What's Sweet Tarragon Up To??

Some of you know Sweet Tarrgon is the incredibly talented duo Dani and Meredith who also just happen to be my daughters. And no I'm not the least bit prejudiced. Dani and Meredith have their own line of incredible jewelry that they market on Etsy and various venues around the area. They put me to shame when it comes to marketing and the number of shows they do each year. Just check out the list of upcoming shows at their etsy shop, Sweet Tarragon. I can't imagine where they get all that energy. Perhaps, it's from their jewelry which is clearly a cut above.



They've just announced a new venue where you can see Sweet Tarragon Jewelry in person. Hello Bluebird is having their Grand Opening tomorrow, September 3rd, located in the historic business district of West Reading and Sweet Tarragon is going to be there. In fact, stop by and check out this great new indie boutique and gallery and say "hi" to Dani. Read more here at the Hello Bluebird blog.


Don't forget to stop by A Beaded Affair for wire, beads and findings. Bead Store quality at Gem Show prices.

Copper and alternate metal Lovers - Come join Copper Wire Jewelers

Piquant - Agreeably Stimulating

Jewelry Elegance

Images by Jer

Always Wired Bead Lady

Phoenix Rising Glass Art

by A Beaded Affair - Bead Store Quality @ Gem Show Prices

Character - The Individual Nature

Gahooletree Designs

ChezChani

My Gemstone Box

By Coco

by: A Beaded Affair

ESMarts Team Challenge is Back with a Twist

ESMarts, the Etsy Social Marketing Arts Team I belong to is having a new team challenge. Create something natural. Sounds simple, doesn't it? I thought so until I started to try to draw on my creative muse and I got lost in flowers and clouds. Well, it is summer and the sun is shining today.

Anyway, as a Team we've had other challenges and the team always enjoys the competition, creativity and camaraderie. This time we're doing it with a twist. You, our readers, get to vote for your favorites. So watch the ESMarts blog for updates and the announcement when it's time to vote. Pick out your favorite and have your voice heard.


Check the links for our ESMarts Blog and the Esmarts Team Store where all proceeds go to worthy causes.

When at Etsy, don't forget to check my store too, A Beaded Affair for hand selected and individually photographed beads, findings and copper wire for discerning jewelry designers. For even more selection and additional discounts try my online store A Beaded Affair.

My New Banner by Hot Glue Media

OK, OK, I may be prejudiced but I think this is a pretty banner and it was created by my very talented daughters at Hot Glue Media. Need banners, ads, multi media artwork, web sites and more? You can't go wrong with Hot Glue Media.

More ESMarts Sparkles

One of the great things about Team Esmarts is that we are not just all about the jewelry bling. Our team has talented artists in a wide variety of craft and artistic fields. Some of my favorites are below, plus I just had to have a bit of bling for the post!

Esmarts Team Store has been dedicated to assisting fellow Etsians with the proceeds going to worthy causes selected by the team. Visit the store for an idea of the wonderful talent of this artistic group.

Chic Hats and More by Anne




Coastal Artist by Van

Shades of Victoria by Sheree

Visit the team store for more great offerings. Check out A Beaded Affair for jewelry supplies at great prices too!

ESMarts at Etsy - New Sparkle

Esmarts Team Store has been dedicated to assisting fellow Etsians with the proceeds going to worthy causes selected by the team. Visit the store for an idea of the wonderful talent of this team.

My Gemstone Box By Diane

Gahoole Tree by Anna Lee

ChezChani by Elayne

Vistit Esmarts at Etsy today and support the team shop!

For all your jewelry supply needs visit A Beaded Affair. Your one stop shop for copper wire, hand selected beads and findings!

New Madagascar Chrysocolla Focal Jewelry Supplies Beads Gemstone

Fabulous color, smooth, fine beads. Terrific for focal!

A Beaded Affair at Artfire

I just started selling on Artfire after a few false starts. Sometimes computer programs just elude me and pictures on Artfire were beyond my abilities. Turns out it was my computer and nothing wrong with Artfire. Once I figured out the problem (actually it was my computer guru) it was simple and fast to list and Artfire looks wonderful.

In fact, I'm quite impressed with Artfire. Even had my first sale today. Thank you Cindy. Thank you Artfire.

Visit my Artfire at A Beaded Affair.

Adagio Bead Crafters

Adagio - Slowly and Gracefully with great skill

It is my pleasure to introduce you to my friend and eSmarts team mate Adagio Beadcrafters.



Elegant and sophisticated.

Timeless beauty and superior design.



Visit Adagio Beadcrafters at her Etsy shop and select Craft and Art shows in her native Florida. Follow A Beaders Blog for terrific information on the beady life of a compulsive beader.

While your at Etsy stop by and visit A Beaded Affair and indulge your inner beader. Hand selected and individually photographed so you get exactly what you see in the pictures. No guessing. All bead prices reduced for our Recession Buster Sale.