A new bookmark: Blood Red, Jolly Roger Black, and Pirate Gold! With a gold-tone treasure map charm.

Argh! There be treasure ahead!

I'd like to think of each one of my bookmarks as a little treasure for the reader, but this one takes that idea literally! (Plus I'm trying out some new listing text.)

Beaded Bookmark/Book Bling with glass beads, tiny seed beads, and metal charm by Suzie’s Armoire. Item #BK-054-RKD

This great looking Suzie’s Armoire Beaded Bookmark is a stylish way to add a little bling to your books. Tiny seed beads will not damage book bindings. Middle is long enough to fit inside most books—from paperbacks to best sellers. Charm and dangles add flair, like jewelry for your favorite novel.

Fun and functional. Pretty and practical. Perfect for marking your place while reading at the pool or beach this summer. More stylish than that scrap of paper you always reach for! It’s hard to capture the sparkle in a photograph, so it is even prettier in real life.

BEAD COLORS AND CHARM:
Shades of blood red, jolly roger black, cross bones white, and pirate gold. Gold-toned metal charm on the end has a treasure map on one side, and reads “Property of Davy Jones” on the reverse. X marks the spot!

BOOKMARK FEATURES:

* Fit inside most books, from trade paperbacks to hardcover best sellers.

* Measures approx. 15” overall, with approx. 11” of TINY seed beads along the middle.

* Each has 3 to 5 dangles on one end, ranging from about 1” to 1.75”.

* Come with a metal charm on the other end.

* I primarily use glass beads and base metal findings. Sometimes a resin or acrylic bead will find its way in.

* Handmade one-at-a-time in my smokefree/petfree home.

* Like snowflakes, each one is unique; I have never made the same design twice.

* Care instructions: beaded items are very delicate. Do not yank/pull on the bookmarks. Not intended for small children.

MY BOOK BLING BOOKMARKS MAKE PERFECT GIFTS FOR:

* teachers

* students / graduates

* babysitters

* friends

* co-workers

* stocking stuffers / Secret Santa

* book clubs / bible study groups (ask about custom orders and special pricing for larger orders)

* your favorite reader

* yourself!

Want something completely different? Check out my listing for a custom design. You pick the colors and the charm, and I’ll do the rest! http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35200769

Featuring a few more Creative Handmade Artisans

Trying to find a little time to breathe again, and feature a few more shops from the wonderful Creative Handmade Artisans Team on Etsy.

The first artist is Heather from Heather's Haven. Heather is my "kindred spirit" of Etsy artists, and probably my "bestest" online crafty friend. We often joke that we share a brain, because we think so much alike when it comes to opinions on crafting, selling, and promoting online. While we both work with tiny, little seed beads, Heather uses them to create amazing beaded work and art dolls. Her beautiful work has encouraged me to branch out and try to learn more beading techniques. (I plan to work on some things over the summer, while relaxing at the pool.)

The next CHArtisan is Dusty from Inverness Studios. She makes a variety of products, including imaginative reading pillows. But one of my favorite items was this recycled/upcycled map necklace, featuring 221b Baker Street. Truly a one-of-a-kind idea.

Another talented artist is Charon (Curtis) from Stygian Chains. Those of you familiar with Greek Mythology will recognize Charon as the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the rivers Styx and Acheron, that divided the world of the living from the world of the dead. This Charon's chainmaille is definately for the living, from basic pieces to beyond.

Laura da Goddess from Totally Unique Treasures is an artist working on "saving the planet, one accessory at a time" by using vintage and upcycled materials in her work. You never know what unique creations you'll find in Laura's shop!

My final shop for this feature is Cards & More by Terri. Besides some very, pretty greeting cards, Terri also creates items such as quilted bags, journals, and boxes. All worth checking out.

My next feature will include the remaining members of the Creative Handmade Artisans Team.

Time to feature a few more CHA shops...

Last week I featured seven shops from the CHA Team. Today I'm going to feature seven more!

Whenever I look in ColettesBoutique, I always have a hard time choosing just one thing to feature. Some of the neatest wire wrapping I've seen.

I've always liked this pendant from IcedAdornments.  Beautifully crafted, delicate, feminine.

The creations coming from Lynwood Jewelrey are nothing short of amazing.

Here's a terrific set from ToraJewelry. I love this color combination.

TwoCheesePlease specializes in custom rubber stamps, like this cute set of angel wings.

If you're looking for something with a more classic, Victorain feel, you have to check out ArtistryJewelry.

For something completely different, and incredible, check-out the tattoo-inspired art by VickiDeath.

Keep watching for more member features in the near future.

I am ready for Spring!

I never thought of myself as someone that gets SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder)--goodness knows I've got enough other mental health issues. But yesterday as I was driving home and the sun was shining, and the temps were well above freezing, and the 3 feet of snow from last month was all but gone, I couldn't believe how light my mood was. I am sooooo ready for Spring to be here. I'd almost say I was ready for Summer to be here, because I love sitting by the pool, being creative or reading, while the kids swim, but I don't want to get ahead of myself. For now, I'll settle for that crisp, clean feeling in the air as the spring rains wash away the winter snow. I just need a little more sun to dry up the wetlands that have formed in my yard from the previsouly mentioned 3 feet of melted snow...

In the meantime, I thought I would share some spring-colored lovelies from some of my team mates on the Creative Handmade Artisans Team (CHAteam or CHArtisans) on Etsy.

First, some quilted coasters from my shop. These were made from fabric leftover from a baby quilt I made for my cousin's daughter 7 years ago. I loved the combination of lilac and pale yellow, sprinkled with some orange. I have a bunch of different quilted coasters planned--just need some time by the pool to stitch them up!

I decided to wander through team mates' shops, and choose some bright and cheerful, or floral-themed items. Who can resist the turquoise and tangerine beads on this bracelet from StormFlightDesigns?

I can't wait to see the daffodils blooming, like on this suncatcher from CherishedStainedGlas.

I miss the lilac bush we had in our yard growing up. Although ours were purple, just looking at this white lilac print from FrawgzDezignz, I can almost smell the wonderful scent of the lilacs in bloom.

This cute daisy ring from TanyaW85 is sure to bring a smile to your face.

And these colorful crocheted catchalls from SusanNeedlehands would certainly come in handy for a little Spring cleaning and organzing.

Here in the Northeast, we know that Winter has a way of coming back, even after Spring has made an appearance, so this mystic blue scarf from TheLandlockedSailor might be the perfect thing to finally send Jack Frost packing!

There are so many wonderful things from CHAteam members, but I'll start with these seven items. Watch this space for more products and shops from the Creative Handmade Artisans. I'm only one-fourth of the way through all of them! For a complete list of member shops, visit or team shop on Etsy: http://www.chartisansteam.etsy.com/.

Here's to Spring!

Just in time for Valentine's Day: a cute little charm

I'm a little behind with posting. I listed this one in my Etsy shop yesterday.



Cha-cha style beaded charm in shades of pink, white, and crystal beads. Cute pewter heart and flower charm on the end. Beaded charms can be used on cellphones, backpacks, purses, keychains, and more! I can also switch it to a shepherd's hook bookmark, if you would like. Or remove it from the loop and add your own chain/cord to use it as a pendant! (I need to get some pictures up of the book-hooks.)

A phone charm WITH a phone charm!

Beaded charm in shades of turquoise blue and black beads. Cute pewter phone charm on the end. Beaded charms can be used on cellphones, backpacks, purses, keychains, and more!



Each charm is designed and handmade by Suzies Armoire, with CHA CHA beads attached to ~1.5" section of chain, which is attached to a charm loop. Just like snowflakes, all of Suzies Armoire charms are unique--I have never made the same design twice!