WHAT TO DO WITH OLD PUZZLES

I have stacks and stacks of beading magazines. Sometimes when I am sitting and watching TV I will go thru a few of the older ones and get ideas. I came across a cute idea for puzzle pieces. I'm sure alot of people have old puzzles around, maybe some have missing pieces. I went to Goodwill and found several colorful puzzles for about $2.00 each set. I punched holes into the tab part, coated it with Mod Podge, put a ring and then attached an ear wire. Some I put Swarovski Crystals, to accent the colors of the puzzle. There are so many color ranges in the puzzles that you can make several different pairs from one puzzle.

SHOP HANDMADE

I was reading thru my Facebook and saw an ad on the side for handmade items. I clicked on the link www.shophandmade.com and was impressed with this website.

I'm not sure how long its been available, but its such a good idea. It is for handmade items. They can be items that you make yourself or that someone else makes. The only rule is the items are not mass produced.

It works kind of the same as Etsy, except, there are NO FEES!!!! You can post items, and there is no charge. I find that listing an item is a bit more complicated that Etsy, but I am new at listing items and it does take a bit longer for me. Overall I think it is such a great idea. There are so many catagories to list your favorite items under. Plus a great place to shop for handmade things.

ETSY SHOP

Etsy is a website that has handcrafted items listed by crafters from around the world. Anything from soap, knitted items, hand sewn items, jewelry, clothes and some food items. It is like a traditional craft fair (Wikipedia).

You can shop by ideas, colors, gifts and treasury or local shops. When you open your shop on Etsy, you recommend other items by visiting different shops and picking favorite items from that shop. You "meet" other shop owners by adding them to your "circle". You can have conversations on line with the shop owners and they can visit your shop and recommend your items. There are so many items to choose from. Perfect when you are shopping for the person who has everything.

I started using the site in 2008 and listed a few jewelry items. It costs $.20 for each item listed and you list your price plus shipping and handling. You can post photos of your item as well.

Also, you can add a "Like" button on each for Twitter and Facebook. The all your items can be viewed on you Facebook and Twitter pages.

OCTOBER: BREAST CANCER AWARNESS MONTH

Happy October. Not only is it the month of ghosts, witches, and Halloween, it's breast cancer awareness month.
Look around, you will be seeing pink EVERWHERE!!!! Most people know (or knew) someone that has breast cancer or is a breast cancer survivor. Cities across the country will be holding 5k walks, runs, and collecting donations for breast cancer.
The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is celebrating 25 years of awareness and education. It is also dedicated to early detection and treatment for women as well as men. 1% of breast cancer detection occurs in men.
The Susan G. Komen for the Cure was founded in 1982 in Dallas Texas. It is the best known and best-funded breast cancer organization. Susan's younger sister, Nancy Goodman Brinker, who made a promise to Susan that she would do everything she could to end breast cancer.
Self awareness and universal screening and breast self-examinations are the ways to promote early detection.
Please donate as much as you can to help fight this disease.

Handmade Paper Beads

At the last Gem Faire in Sacramento, I found some pretty paper beads. They were sold by the bag so I didn't really know the colors I was getting. After I got home, open them up, I was pleasantly surprised. Small dainty paper beads. (they come in larger sizes also).

They are made from recycled paper and magazines. Women in Uganda living in extreme poverty make these beads, earning about $1.00 a day.

There are several organizations that help these women sell their beads through fair trade, which helps these people living in extreme poverty. Bead For Life, Beads of Hope Africa, and Uganda Beads.

Getting Ready for the Holidays

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. We had a great time. Had out of town family for an entire week. Exhausting, but wonderful. Ate too much. But what the heck, it's the holidays.

Black Friday came and went, Cyber Monday came and went. For those who want some last minute stocking stuffers, please visit my website. I have stretch bracelets, earrings, as well as jewelry sets. They are one of a kind pieces and unique styles. Fun and funky. Dressy and casual.


www.denimdawgjewelry.com

Will You Celebrate Thanksgiving??

I can't believe it is Thanksgiving already. It seems like just weeks ago we were putting the last of the left overs away.

I'm very thankful for alot of things this year. My son is home from Iraq, done with the Military. I have a new daughter-in-law, that I think the world of. My mother-in-law is living with us, and so far so good. I will get to see my grandson for the holidays and we all have our health.

We have had alot of changes this year. Some good some bad. I try not to dwell on the bad and thinks things happen for a reason, and God will never give me more than I can handle.

I am looking forward to sitting down on Thanksgiving with my wonderful family. Before we start eating, I will ask everyone to give a reason they are thankful. I'm thankful I don't have to cook. My husband does all the cooking. I do all the clean up. It's been this way for 25 years.

Hope everyone have a great Thanksgiving. Whether alone or with family. ENJOY.