1000Markets, Here I Come!

So, I've decided to take the 1000Markets plunge. I just love the way the site looks and the fact that not just any one can sell there. (although the process is a bit much, it's all good.)

I'm still waiting for my shop to be approved, but I have no doubt that it will.
Until then, I've been browsing the site and have decided to put together a spotlight of things that welcome fall - Enjoy =-)

You Better Check Yourself!

I am super excited to tell you all about my plan to help promote breast cancer awareness!

Last month, I decided that I wanted to do something to help celebrate and contribute to Breast Cancer Awareness. The plan was to make something pink and donate what ever was left after shipping and covering supplies to help get the word out about breast cancer, what we can do to catch it early, and to give hope to those who have via the Susan G. Komen website - http://ww5.komen.org/. But after chatting with a friend, I learned that her sister is a survivor who runs in a race for the cure. Michelle (Glass Identites) is already donating portions of her sales to her sister's camp. In order to be able to run, the entrant or orginization has to have raised at least $1,000 for the campain. I'm not sure where she is or how much she has to go (will let you know when I find out) but I've always wanted to do something like that, but never have the right timing or connections.

SO, rather than go to the Susan G. Komen site to donate, I'm going to give my donation to Michelle's sister so that she can run for us.

You can find my donation items in the "For the Cause" section of my studio.

When the month began, I sat and thought about how I had been affected by breast cancer. After a bit of thinking, I decided that I've been lucky enough to not have been affected by it at all.

But when I layed down to go to sleep, my eyes popped open with the memory of a lady that I knew only as Dee. I wasn't very old when she was around...probably 4 or 5. I remember tagging along with my aunt to see her friend. I remember her asking her how she was and her mentioning that 'she wasn't thinking about that titty'. She was glad it was gone, I'm sure. Dee had had a mastectomy.

She was an older woman, and her house was kind of dark in the inside. Like there were no over head lights, only lamps. She was a nice lady who I really never knew and who died as a result of having breast cancer. But I do still remember her.

So, what is it exactly?

"Definition of breast cancer: Cancer that forms in tissues of the breast, usually the ducts (tubes that carry milk to the nipple) and lobules (glands that make milk). It occurs in both men and women, although male breast cancer is rare."

(Definition taken from the National Cancer Institute's Breast Cancer Homepage)

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There are things that we can do to keep people in our lives longer, and to make sure that we ourselves are around to see the day when _____.

Did you know that

• the older a woman, the more likely she is to get breast cancer?
• white women are more likely to get breast cancer than women of any other racial or ethnic group?
• African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than white women?
• men can get breast cancer, although it is rare? Less than one of every 100 cases of breast cancer in the U.S. occurs in men.
• in 2008, it is estimated that men will account for 1,990 cases of breast cancer?

Check yourself.

Encourage your loved ones to check themselves.

Talk about it.

And please remember that women aren't the only ones affected by breast cancer. Men get it too, so tell them to check themselves as well!

Here is an interactive tool which teaches us how to perform self check exams properly:

http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/InteractiveTools.html

Random Love

So, Lanee's Crochet's Summer Sale is over - Thanks to every one who stopped by to check it out!

I was browsing Artfire using the shop by color feature and felt like seeing red. Lots o

f neat stuff came up, but here are a couple that REALLY caught my eye:

A Red Felt Heart from TheFunkyFelter

(The perfect heart felt gift =-)

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Little Pokeball Cat Toys from Mouchois

(great for pokemon lovers who also love cats!)

Sale Ends Wednesday!

Hey folks, I just wanted to remind you all that Lanee's Crochet has a sale going on for which you can use coupon code SUMMERSALE09 to recieve 30% off items found in the follwing Lanee's Crochet's categories:

Hair Clips

Baby Hair Clips

Kitchen Items

Purses

Accessoires

The weather is changing every where!  My friends who reside in the Southern Hemesphere, be sure to look around, this sale has some Christmas and Hannakuh gift potential for ya!

--

Visit LaneesCrochet's Studio

SAVE 30.00 % On Select Studio Categories

Use Coupon Code:

SUMMERSALE09

during checkout.

Handmade Cards

I'm looking forward to fall and winter and can't wait for the Christmas season.  

If you're looking for Christmas gifts, or just simply something to warm you or a loved one up this year- be sure to check back - You never know what deal you'll find here ☺

I've got stocking stuffers on the Brain!

The more I dive into my inventory, the more stocking stuffer potentials I come across. I'm trying to get better photos of my things and get them picked up by google by trying a few holiday SEO optimization suggestions that I got from Artfire's Promote/Learn section.

I found this one along with a couple others in the bin:

Last year, I did some features with stocking stuffer suggestions. This year, I think I will read a few gift guides and perhaps try to fashion my features after this idea. I've got a brother who loves to lay around and watch tv when he's not working himself to death, a son who is 6 and loves video games, a mother who is not too picky but loves things that are pink and practical, and an aunt who never throws anything away, and can find the beauty in the most pitiful looking things.

So, perhaps doing a mini gift guide will help me drum up ideas on what to get them while commiting to a Handmade Christmas, while giving others a direction to go in as well..

New and Improved Twitter Background

Tim Adams posted a link to his new tiwtter back ground design, and I think it's just wonderful!
It inspired me to update mine ( I had been using one of the default ones they have), so I sat down for an hour or so and really thought about how I could make my twitter page a bit more appealing to my followers.

Keep with the brand of course!

My favorite colors are yellow and blue, and so, they've become Lanee's Crochet's brand colors. I was lying awake one night thinking, 'I should have some kind of graphic to associate my shop with as well', but unfortunately, I'm the worst ever drawer of yarn balls or anything that is associated with crochet period.
I think it's best for some one like me to stick to geomtrical shapes for such things- and so, here we are!

I'm totally happy with how it turned out. I've tied in my shops' banner and font as well as added this new element to the mix, and it still looks pretty decent! (hell yes i'm patting myself on the back on this one- c'mon, you have to agree that it's pretty cool) =-P

I'm encouraging those of us who have a shop or studio some where as well as a twitter on which we share our specials, new products and help promote others to personalize the twitter!
It's delish and will let ppl know where they're at!

Follow me @laneescrochet

Switching Gears Isn't Anything New

I've been on this lovely little planet of ours for 25 years, in Vegas just as long

g, but somehow the seasons keep creeping up on me! Year after year, I find myself looking up at the trees or down at the street to see crisping leaves tumbling (down or away).

Fall is not going to catch me slippin this year!

No Sir!

I've already begun refreshing things in my shop that would make good stocking stuffers

Such as this Coin purse

But I've still got to get some fall Items made and ready.

This Fall Handbag was a good start, but I've got more to give!


This Fun Halloween Colored Tube Scarf and Striped Cuff are soon to come =-)
 

From That to This

I've recently decided to get back to the basics of things as far as what I'm making for my shop and what I'm doing with life in general.

With that, I've decided to break down my bath accessories sets, so first up on the break is this one:

Originally $15, I offered 4 towels and 2 facial scrubbies. I've reduced this offering to 2 towels and 3 facial scrubbies. Now priced at $7 (and with free shipping worldwide, that's a steal!)

I've still got several smaller sets to list so be sure to check out my twitter channel for updates and announcements on those =-)

http://www.twitter.com/laneescrochet

Bath Pouf and Scrubbies Set-Blue, Green, Yellow, and White

I believe handmade bath poufs and accessories are

better than those nylon throw away poufs you buy at the store because theyre softer while still being exfoliating, long lasting, machine washable, and dont go straight to landfills after only a few uses.

I've just listed this new bath pouf and scrubbies set in my artfire.

For just $10 (yep, 10- no shipping charges or anything!), you'll get what you see here. =-)

Still Pluggin Along Here

What feels like forever ago, some one was looking for a specific type of hat here online, but was unable to find it. That some one stumbled upon my Artfire studio and a hat that was quite similar, but still not quite what he was looking for, so we decided to work it out.

He wanted a hat with a hard bill and small stitches in a custom size and I accepted the challenge.

(The first draft of the hat)

This one was a bit smaller than we would have liked. I didn't forsee the bend in the bill taking some of the measurement off and making it a bit tighter than with out one, so I re-did it.

(The final Version)

This one is a bit bigger than before- I made a different bill for this one. Honestly, I liked the first one better and will probably try to duplicate the look of it later on.

I wound up making the hat twice and getting about 3 extra bills out of the proccess, so now I think I'm going to try a short billed beanie with what I have.

Who knows- a signature product may have been born out of this whole experience.

--

I'm starting to hear that the weather is changing outside of my little las vegas world. While i've been wishing that that were the case here- (mainly while walking my son to and from school with the sun blazing and sweat pouring), I haven't really been preparing for this year's cold weather season.

I'm looking forward to going totally store and shop wide with free shipping. It's going to take a few days to get there, though, with my 100+ items up for sale.

I've refreshed this Fall Handbag in my studio:

You can find this purse here with free shipping!

Be sure to be on the look out for that feature along with new seasonal items!

☺

Bye Bye Birdie

I just Thought This was way cute!



(of course I do- I made It =-)

The inspiration came from the Zombie Nanner Gang Blog. It's so easy to step outside the comfort zone there.

Facial Scrubbies Refreshed

This set of 5 facial scrubbies was crocheted using a blue, white, and green 100% cotton yarn called Sea Mist.

They're totally soft on your skin while helping with exfoliation.

The facial scrubbies are 2 inches wide and are the perfect size for use with your facial cleanser, toner, eye make up remover, and more.

Randomly Discounted Item

I've chosen a new random item to be discounted for today Which is my Pink Camo Beanie with Bill.

Keep your eyes peeled for what may be discounted next- it may just be that thing you've always admired ☺

Is this not the cutest thing you've seen in a while?

Today, the HAF Etsy Street Team is spreading the love to ShabbyRoseBoutique on Etsy.

My eye could not help being caught by the cuteness that fills her shop! From casual every day dresses to glamorous costumes perfect for photo shoots, holidays, parties... she's got it all!

Zombie Nanners, Trip to Cali and all the rest

I've not been blogging too much lately because I've been busy with life-like things.

Recently, I had decided to make a move to southern California to go to school and start life fresh. BUUUUUT, it didn't work out the way I'd wanted it to, so, stuck in Vegas is what I am. (At least for now- I'm working on a new, better plan)

I'll be blogging about that mess on my Nisha Does blog- which is horribly neglected.

Helping my jog my creative mind is a blog called The Zombie Nanner Gang which was born in the wee hours. So far, there are 3 of us who contribute to the blog by coming up with two word challenges such as 'Drunk Monkey', 'Fuzzy Puppet', 'Tiny Robot', and so on. We create things to fit the challenge and post about them on the blog.
You don't have to be a member to participate- simply leave a comment telling us what you've done.
No pressure
All for fun, and perhaps you'll come out of it with a new idea for an item to put in your shop or give as a gift!

I'm currently working on my 'penny candy' entry and this time, what I make will be put up for sale in my Artfire Studio =-)

As well as this!
My son will be starting school this year! So, this week has been busy with getting things ready for that. last minute registration (and all that that involves), running around town searching for the perfect backpack, clothes that fit, and trying to get him to realize that school is not just where you go to play basketball or do gymnastics.
I'm sure there will be first day pics as well as pictures of all the lovely stuff he'll make in school. You can look for those on my personal blog as well.

Jewelry by Janelle ~ Saturday Feature

While Janelle of Jewelry by Janelle offers an array of classic looking earth toned jewelry, I'd have to say that her brilliant blues are my favorite.
And even more unique to her shop is this "Cut Through the Blues Steampunk Necklace". I Love how a 6mm blue faceted Czech glass bead dangles perfectly from a medieval falchion like time piece.

It would be the perfect gift to symbolize perseverance. Perhaps for some one who is at a point in life where just cutting through the blues is the only way to go.

Also in Janelle's shop are vintage items, earrings , necklaces, and bracelets using exotic woods, gemstones, both precious and semi-precious, all types of glass beads, and Swarovski crystals.

You can find and follow her blog here: http://jewelrybyjanelle50.blogspot.com/

Follow her on Twitter: http://twitter.com/exoticsjanelle
and
Become a Fan on Face Book http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jewelrybyjanelle50-at-Etsycom/101935135915?__a=1

Let's Keep it Fresh and Get it Movin!

Very recently, I came up with the idea to offer random items in my shop at a discounted price..
I want to do this to keep things fresh. I have 114 Items in my Artfire studio and about 9 in my Etsy shop, so I think that I've got the stocking up on stuff thing covered.

I'm not wanting to produce anymore items until things start selling because I'm running out of room!

I will be using my facebook fanpage (for which I'm currently at 81 fans!) you can help me get a shorter, easier url by becoming a fan here : http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Lanees-Crochet/182406995071?ref=ts
and if you've got a fanpage, be sure to leave a link so that I can fan you back).

The currently selected Discounted item will be shown under my profile picture to the left here >
as well as twittered about and shouted out where ever else I can think of.
http://twitter.com/laneescrochet

With my son starting school next week, the job search, and school for mama search being ON, life's about to get a but busier for me- hopefully this feature will contribute to the smooth sailin' i'm praying for.

A Small Rant About Kufi Hats and Flowers

**
I generally like to keep things positive here. This is not one of those posts.
**

I dont know what is up with all these damned kufi hats with flowers attatched listed on etsy for about 15 bucks as if $15 worth of time and effort were put into making them.

At first, when I saw these things start to pop up, I was like, oh I have one of those and it never dawned on me that I had one of those because I had purchased it from my local beauty supply store for like $1.99 a long time ago.

I wore the thing, my son wore the thing, my mom wore the thing!
but I never thought to snap a flower on that bad boy and call it handmade.

Yes, I know that it's very often that popular or cute items are replicated by the handmade community, but I strongly doubt that these thread caps (and other things called crochet), which would take more than $15 worth of time to make + flower are an example of this.

That being said, there probably are people out there who actually crochet these things themselves and have to compete with the manufactured ones. (I'm sorry for that)

If you've got a little girl who you'd think would look so darned cute with a huge flower on the side of her head, you may want to save yourself some money and search ebay instead.

Saturday Spotlight- DragonClaw

Combine Awesome Workmanship, Precious Stones, and Consistent Quality and you've got DragonClaw Studio!


Matt of DragonClaw is a self-taught jewelry artist who hand sculpts stone and crystal (such as jasper, jade, fluorite, charoite, obsidian, and more) into free-form organic shapes. He also wire-wraps and knits wire into chain to create gorgeous sculpted pendants.
Not only are they stunning, but some believe that the beauty of these precious stones goes beyond what the eye can see; some are regarded as possessing healing powers, influence on ones fortune, and positive energies.
It takes a good eye and skillful hands to be able to create , and I do believe that Matt possesses both.



You can also find more of DragonClaw's work featured here:
http://canopygallery.wordpress.com/dragonclawstudios/

Follow him on Twitter:
http://twitter.com/dragonclaws

A few improvements in the Works for this blog

Lately, I've been realizing that project wonderful just is not for me. I rarely run ads using it, and when I do, I don't think I wind up with any click throughs. When I host, it's for a penny or less, so I'm thinking that we'll just do away with the whole concept of hosting 'ads'.

Instead, I'm going to be hosting free 'mini feature spots' which will include a hand crafter that who is being featured in one of the teams or groups I'm a member of, a random hand made thing I dig, or just a shout out for some one who has always been pleasant to me.

The spots will be in the middle here > >
where the PW spots are.
(hopefully I'll be able to get some etsy minis or shop windows to put there or something cool like that)

I guess this wave of change has come from realizing that it is a movement after all. I love handmade and whether or not I'm the one doing the succeeding, I'm all for others being successful too!

Another feature that will be added is well- a regular feature.
I know I've attempted this before, but I'm almost sure that it'll work this time.
I've since joined a couple of networking groups, so I have more real access to people and their shops, and rather than just picking at random, waiting for permission to use their content, I've already got the go ahead from enough people (I've actually got a line up! lol)
SO, be on the look out for that.
Features will be posted every 2 weeks to start, starting this Saturday.
(I'm still workin on a name for it, of course it has to be catchy =-P