SaLE!

So, I didn't post my daily sale items in my ETSY shop for a few days.  I have been a little slack...really just busy with other stuff.  As a result of my busy schedule, I've decided to post 4 items on sale today.  Each day I will remove one of the four items and list a new sale item...until FRIDAY.  If you have an item you would like to see go on sale please place them in the comments.  It could be your lucky day!

Sunset Glass Wind Chime Original Price $45

ON SALE $30

 Green and Black Octopus Earrings

Original price $20  ON SALE $15

Double sided pendant:  Colorful leaves and Rock out

Original Price $18  ON SALE $12

  

Peace Magnet

Original Price $8.00  ON SALE $5.00

Featuring Sea Glass Artist: Amy McDonald!!!!

I am very excited to introduce, Amy McDonald, a talented Sea Glass Jewelry artist. Along with enjoying my own personal piece of jewelry made by Amy, I had the opportunity to interview Amy regarding her life and art to find out a little more about what inspires her.

Amy lives in Maine where there is a lot of snow and plenty of availability for inspiration. Besides being a jewelry artist, Amy is a full time mother of 3 and a hair stylist. Her husband is a BIG hunter and total outdoors man and her kids are 16, 12, and 1.

Amy's beautiful work can be found on Etsy, which features handcrafted artists around the globe. Her Etsy shop called, Sea Treasures by Amylee, can be found @ http://www.amylee34.etsy.com. Amy's pieces are made of Sea Glass found from the beaches in Maine. She absolutely loves making Sea Glass Jewelry and has spent a lot of time locating each piece of glass for her jewelry.

In Amy's words, "Up here in Maine we have lots of beaches, so my whole life I have beach combed and collected sea glass. My fondest memories are of being with my grandparents as a little girl and walking the beaches every weekend picking up sea glass. Well, I'm 34 now with LOTS of SEA GLASS. Being a stay at home mom I have found my creative outlet. I wanted to have a lot of jewelry but didn't want to pay their prices. Everywhere I went I found pieces I didn't care for and they were expensive, so I started my own line! I think I have always had a passion for this, in high school I took a pottery class and instead of making bowls and cups, etc. I made a beaded necklace. I think I get inspired easily, there are a lot of things that are so beautiful it gets me thinking, weather it's my catchy names for my pieces, or wonderful colors on a bird. My favorite color is purple and I love browns and aquas together. I have a work shop down in our finished basement with a drill press, (it's my husbands that I took over) but my creating happens in our dining room, it has much better light. My absolute favorite thing to work with is the glass. Holding it up to the light and finding just the right beads. It's a great thing. I was very nervous to have a shop on Etsy, I thought what if I don't sell anything or what if people don't like my items, but the experience has been wonderful, everyone has been so nice, and supportive of one another. Lots of helpful tips to be shared. The thing that I find to have helped me a lot are my pictures of the items, you really need to use props that really make your item stand out. When I did that I started to get more views and hearts and even SALES. "

Amy feels it is very important to buy handmade to support other artists and their talents, knowing every item is made with love and that the artist is sharing this with everyone. Amy says, "I hope everyone who purchases an item from me loves it as much as I did making it."

Besides being found on Etsy, Amy can be found at one of the largest craft fairs in Augusta Maine, located at the Augusta Civic Center November 28-29, 2009. If you live close by please stop by and see her beautiful work. If not please be sure to check out her lovely Etsy shop, I know you won't be sorry.

CJ's Boutique

SUPPORT HANDCRAFTED ITEMS!

Today everywhere we turn the familiar words, "Made in China" are seen. I rarely pick up an item and see the words "Made in America". I'm afraid that we have gotten away from our roots and the basics in life. We've traded it for more, more, more and in return have gotten what we have asked for. A diminished quality and a life that is filled with unimportant things instead of precious time with our friends and family. I say simple is better and although I haven't gotten there completely I'm working towards it. That's all any of us can do.....

With that being said a new boutique has opened that features ONLY HANDCRAFTED items and you won't find the 3 small words, Made in China. The boutique features different handcrafted items from over 50 artisans locally and abroad. It's a refreshing contrast from many of the products on the market and each item is made here in our own backyard.

Location

6000 Meadowbrook Mall Court
Suite 7A
Clemmons, NC 27012

phone 336-766-9355

email cjsboutique@bellsouth.net

Boutique hours:

Tues - Fri 10 - 6 and Sat 10 - 3

The perfect handmade gift, made with love, can be found for any occasion. Are you looking for something for a baby? A wedding? A gift to pamper yourself? Birthday? Your home? You name it, you can find it at CJ's Boutique.

Take some time out for yourself, grab a girlfriend and GO SHOPPING! Most importantly, tell your friends.....Spread the word.

Here's a peak in the window to a few of the items you will find at this wonderful boutique that celebrates handmade items.

Bringing about change

I am amazed today that in a world with so many people and our advances in both technology and medicine we as a society are still filled with so much hate. I have to admit that I am astounded with individuals lack of humanity as well as how we treat each other. With this being said, for the last few weeks I have to say that I have internalized and pondered our current events that are taking place in Jena, Louisiana. I have been inspired to turn my sadness into a creative outlet and have developed a series of beaded jewelry called "The Harmony Series".

The pictures seen here are the first in the series. I have called this particular necklace PEACE. This and other hand crafted items I make can be found at whimsicaljewels.etsy.com.