Business of the Day, May 1st - Link Dog

Link Dog

I started Link Dog on Facebook about 2 weeks ago to provide an outlet for others to network their businesses. I know from experience that it's not easy sometimes to get the word out about what we do. We work so hard to create something, then have no one to show it to. It's sad, but our mission is to change that with our page. We will get the word out about your talents and what you do. And we will work hard to do it.
Regular shout outs, events, posting ads and anything else we think of to get you noticed, is what you can expect if you join our page.

Why do we do this? Because we love seeing the creativity and talent that people have. No matter what you do, what you make or what service you provide, we enjoy learning. More than just your product, we enjoy the people behind the talent. It's fun to us to mingle with all of our friends, fans and associates.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank some that have helped us get started.
The Craft Show  They are good friends and great for promoting Arts and Crafts.
Fan Page Promote They work hard doing the same thing we do and have grown very fast because of it.
Crafters Challenge Personal friends and for providing this blog and their website as well as their Facebook page, for promoting hand made crafts.
Thanks for taking a look and have a great day.

woof woof

Challenge schedules

Here are the schedules for upcoming challenges:

Challenge20............currently running
Challenge21............Begins May 6th and is full
Challenge22............Begins May 13th and has some openings
Challenge23............Begins May 20th and has openings

Cake/cupcake design challenge:
Special event challenge for bakers. Voting will be for the best design of your cakes, cupcakes, sweets, etc.
We have some openings left and the date will be determined when we fill all the slots.

Future challenges will include "craft" specific events, such as, candles, sock monkeys, woodworking, jewelry, etc.

Business of the Day April 29th - The Pearl On Top

The Pearl On Top

The Pearl On Top has the heartfelt gift for every occasion. But the most heartfelt

of them all, is the contribution we are making to the Fearless 5K event being hosted in
Pittsburgh, PA. This event sponsors The Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund in memory
of marine, Joseph Caskey, who was killed in action while deployed in Afghanistan last
year. Caskey was a graduate of the North Hills School District, where co-owner of The
Pearl On Top, Kim, is currently employed. The United States Marine Corps holds an
extra special place in our hearts. The other co-owner of The Pearl On Top, Kylie, is
halfway through her marine husband, Jason Torres’, third deployment. When we saw
the opportunity to raise money and support the marines, it was something we could not
resist. Starting May 1st at 8pm ET, we will be holding The Fearless 5K Marine Benefit
Auction. All of the proceeds raised from this auction will be donated to The Injured
Marine Semper Fi Fund in memory of Joseph Caskey. All of the items up for auction are
pictured on our facebook page, The Pearl On Top. Please stop by and see the beautiful
items being auctioned off by not only ourselves but other vendors who are willing to
help out too. If you are interested in donating an item, we would love to include you in
this amazing cause. Just email us at thepearlontop@gmail.com. We are also accepting
monetary donations to support the cause.

However, we wanted to take it one step farther. We are offering a reduced price
on key chains that are being personalized in memory of Caskey. The key chains will be
offered to his family, friends, and anyone who is interested in showing their support. The
key chains can be purchased through our website, www.thepearlontop.com or through
our facebook page. $2 from every purchase is also being donated to the Injured Marine
Semper Fi Fund. We are trying to raise as much money as possible while also showing
our support for all of our troops. We are very passionate about this event and hope that
you will help to make it a success!

While we do offer a wide range of military products, we also specialize in Bridal
and Baby shower gifts. We offer the most creative, breath-taking gifts for every occasion.
The Pearl On Top loves to take custom orders and turn your ideas into a beautiful
finished product. From picture frames to wreaths and even towel and diaper cakes, The
Pearl On Top has it all. Give the gift of creativity.

Thanks, Kim

http://www.thepearlontop.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Pearl-on-Top/147311181998004
thepearlontop@gmail.com

Business of the Day April 27th - Shipwreck Studio

Shipwreck Studio

Shipwreck Studio is the result of found treasures collected from journeys past and present. Beach glass became my fascination as a child when searching for fossils or pirate treasure.


 I live in a small town along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake with one traffic light, but lots of history. Married to, two dogs a rabbit and a husband...should change the order on that.

My jewelry designs come from the love for these vanishing gems. All my beach glass is genuine and handpicked from many beaches here and abroad. I use sterling silver and also hand sculpted fine silver in my designs. Organic to Sultry, jeans to black dress. Custom orders are always welcome.
Visit my Facebook page at:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Shipwreck-Studio/487043740354?sk=wall

Peace and Happiness
Linda Sims
Shipwreck Studio

Business of the Day April 26th - The Red Queen Boutique

The Red Queen Boutique

Hi,
My name is Helen and I have very recently (in the past month) started up The Red Queen Boutique.
I have a BA Honours degree in Design and Visual Art--specialising in contemporary textiles and surface pattern. My website address is http://www.helenlouisepetty.com/ and FB page http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/The-Red-Queen-Boutique/157865150937925, I also have an ebay shop which could really use some promotion !!

I make one-off pieces of kitsch/alternative jewellery and accessories using found/vintage items mixed with new charms, beads--- just about anything I can get my hands on !! I would really appreciate any exposure I could get.

Thankyou,
Regards,
Helen

Business of the Day April 25th - Redhead Thread

Redhead Thread

I am a community artist with a passion for stitching! My designs are based on everything I love from retro gaming, films, cheeky sayings I love, vintage fabric or anything I find that catches my eye or makes me smile.  I have only just started in the last month but have been enjoying every minute of this crafty malarkey! Check out my facebook page where I update new designs and offers all the time.

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Redhead-Thread/189678767741080?sk=info

Business of the Day April 24th-Sparkly Links

Sparkly Links
http://www.facebook.com/SparklyLinks



Sparkly Links is made up of a small group of creative ladies, including Emma Latham, Kathryn Ross and Dereen Cole.
We are a new business this is our 4th week, it has been an amazing rollercoaster so far. Each of us brings a special skill and interest to Sparkly Links, that is why we offer so many different things.
This is what we have on offer:

Poetry
Looking for that special gift? Something with meaning? Something unique? Then order today! A poem made especially for you: you can choose everything from the content to the colour schemes, themes, and decorations. This beautiful crafted poem will be displayed in a frame and would make the perfect gift for any occasion or for someone of any age. (You can choose to have the poem we write unique for you or available so others can purchase the poem if they wish).

Speech Writing
Going to an occasion where you have to deliver a speech? Don't know what to say? Lost for words? Well look no further Sparkly Links offer a service, we do everything but make the speech for you!

Sparkly's Canvases
A selection of photographs to choose from in various sizes. These can also include a name or a quote at a small additional charge.

Second Hand Basement
We also offer a selection of second hand items.

Sparkly's Jewellery
We are working on many items of jewellery, and accessories. (And you will soon be able to design your own with our Jewellery customisation software using Flash).

We have many ideas also that are coming soon:
* Story books with illustrations will be available. The storybook can include your child's name as the main character, or even be a one of a kind story made especially for your child.

* Having a party? We can make party bags tailored for your individual taste.

Charity Work
Charity work is very important to Sparkly Links. With every couple of orders we are going to donate one of our framed poems or a voucher to charity. The charities we have helped so far are Huskies in Need, Jessica's Ball, Ella's Journey to Raise Awareness, Jade's Smiles. We have donated a poem or a voucher for a poem to these charities. We have also got some projects in the pipeline, to publish a poetry book and all the proceeds will go to LittleMissEvie's Children's Cancer Fund Raiser for named trusts. We are also going to do a fundraising activity were we write 12 poems in 12 hours and then we are going to add illustrations and have this book published and the proceeds will go to Max's Fundraising Charity.

We need all the help we can get really, as we wish to be able to donate to more charities and help out as much as we can. If you require any more information please contact us at: sparkly.links@gmail.com

Challenge19 Has Started

Challenge19 has begun at http://www.crafteschallenge.com/

Congratulations to Angelique of LilyPad Creations for taking 1st place in Challenge18 with her
"Frames Height Chart"

Thank you to all who had entries in the challenge. And, thanks to all who supported them with votes.

Crafters Challenge Featured Business - Willow Crafts

Willow Crafts

Hi,

We are based in sunny Suffolk! We started making handmade jewellery 2 years ago and our collection grew so much we started to sell at local craft fairs. After suggestions from friends we then embarked on children's jewellery making parties starting from the age of 5. The children make a much as they want from keyrings, bracelets, necklaces and for the older ones earrings, memory wire bracelets and chokers. The Mum's love it as there is no need for party bags as what they make they take home in a lovely organza bag!

We have now enlarged our range to include wine charms, beaded rings and our very popular napkin rings. We have been very busy lately with our napkin rings for the wedding market. We make them in a varitey of colours to match the couple's colour schemes. We can include names on them (up to 8 letters per name) so people can take them home as a favour.

Why not have a look at out facebook page to see all our latest designs!

Jane and Kerry

Willow Crafts

Challenge Schedules

Here is a list of our upcoming challenges, when they begin and available slots:

Challenge19                 April 22nd           Full
Challenge20                 May   6th            Open
Challenge21                 May 20th            Open

Challenges run for 2 weeks.
*note- if we get enough entries, we will switch the length from 2 weeks to 1 week.

To join a challenge, send a picture of the item, a 3 word title, and if you want your website link post, the address to: entry@crafterschallenge.com

Challenge18 Halfway

Votes at the halfway point:

Gold Coast Dragon- Felted    171
Frames Height Chart              160
Dark Days of Spring                32
Beaded Glass Charms             31
Victorian May Day Basket       28
Watercolour Painting "Hello"    26
Sleeping Fairy Baby on Log     14
Pretty Princess                         11
Flower Fairy Princess Set        11

Vote at: http://www.crafterschallenge.com/

Crafters Challenge Featured Business - Tanglewood Thicket

Tanglewood Thicket

I'm a 32 year old girl living in Kelowna BC Canada. After my daughter was born a few years back I found myself less at my Interior Design studio and more at home. I had been sculpting with Clay for 20 years or so up to that point informally and without being taught, but I had decided to start "sculpting" with wool and fiber instead. I taught myself to needle felt. My first project was a little goblin. I loved it so much that I never stopped. To this day I have made over 120 creatures ranging from 8" to 40" tall. I use Locally grown wool which I hand dye with Kool-Aid, Icing Dye and Acid dyes. I then felt with a single barbed needle from start to finish. Each creature is one of a kind. Almost all of my creatures to date have been commissions. I allow the customer to choose their colors, style and overall character of the creature. Goblins, Dragons and Labyrinth fan art has been the most popular but I am branching out to other Fantastical creatures like Mermaids, Gargoyles, sea monters, fairies etc.

You can see more here: http://www.tanglewoodthicket.com/
Etsy Store: http://www.tanglewoodthicket.etsy.com/
Twitter: www.twitter.com/tanglewoodthick
Facebook Fan Page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tanglewood-Thicket-Creations-Studio/173361767426

Crafters Challenge Featured Business - Turtles Consignment

Turtles Consignment


I started our business in 2008 when my first child at the age of 2 months came home from the hospital. He had gotten very sick with viral meningitis, we stayed a total of 32 days. When we finally got home, we had a ton of bills and a ton of unused items that friends and family had given us. I needed a way to help my family out of the hospital debt that we had accumulated and stay home with my little guy...hence Turtles Consignment was born.


We are an on-line web only consignment shop, for new and gently used clothing. We carry items for the whole family, including a large assortment of baby clothing and accessories, toddler, teen, and adult clothing. Turtles Consignment is where you will find retail shopping at bargain prices, plus you shop from the comfort of your own home. So grab your coffee and indulge in the great deals!

Our store!

http://turtlesconsignment.ecrater.com/

Our Face book fan page.

https://www.facebook.com/TurtlesConsignment
 When we hit 150 a drawing for free shipping will be held. As well as when we hit 500 we will open or fan page auction!

Crafters Challenge Featured Business - Moss Mountain

Moss Mountain


A wonderland of handmade, natural and unnatural creatures up for adoption to loving homes. Here you will find the tiniest plush felt animals you will ever see, most less than one inch high. We also have unique larger plush and amigurumi, tiny animal earrings, art dolls, and more.

For gifts, pocket companions, or treat for yourself, check out our menagerie of creatures you won't find anywhere else. I can almost guarantee you'll smile when you see how cute they are.







Moss Mountain
 http://www.facebook.com/mossmountain

http://www.mossmountain.etsy.com/

http://www.mossmountainpatterns.etsy.com/

email:
moss mountain shop at gmail dot com

Congrats to the Challenge17 winner

Congrats to Emma of Fantasy Jewelry Goddess , for winning Challenge17 with her "Heart of Dark Goddess" necklace.

 And, Congrats to the runnerup Beth with her Maple Lane oil painting. Great job and a big thank you to them and all who participated, both the entrants and the voters.

A Great Service to Crafters

Most of us are familiar with Etsy’s great platform for buying and selling your crafts. But what about teaching or learning how to make those pieces? Betterfly.com is a free website that makes it easy to promote classes or find a teacher near you. You can find tutors, coaches, stylists, or other “Betterists” who can help you be better at anything, including various crafts.  Craft teachers can create their own mini-website to show off their projects, offer crafting advice, and even make some money teaching what they love.

Crafts are among the most active categories on Betterfly, with entire pages devoted to helping new and experienced crafters share their skills. Although Betterfly just launched its site in 2010, it has one of the largest listings of craft teachers in the U.S.  People go to Betterfly to find scrapbooking classes, beading and jewelrymaking, and even things like glass blowing and candlemaking. To see all of the crafts teachers who are already listed, or to offer your own lessons, visit the Crafts Page on Betterfly.

Half way

Challenge17 is at the half way point. Voting will end on April 8th and Challenge18 will begin the same day.

Here are the top 5 vote getters at the half way point: